The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange’s bitter sweet win for journalism

•His epic struggle for truth, transparency

Julian Assange‘s story reads like a Western narrative driven by a conflict of will and adversarial ethics. It mirrors the classic rebel’s relentless pursuit of truth that is unbearable.

Yet, truth is relative. Atop the brimstone mantle of its depths, and beneath the swamp of its cypress roots lies a hidden world—a cosmos where truth is a currency, and its seekers, unfurl as hounded and unsung heroes. Assange stands as a modern-day explorer of these depths.

His journey from the sanctum of the Ecuadorian Embassy to the harsh confines of a London prison, mirrors the plight of the stricken heroes of the global hound. Come what may, they leach the whole truth, diving upstream and downstream, against the currents of unforgiving nemesis.

Truth could be perplexing. Inside the pouched, hard hide of its riddled depths, Assange lunged and fluttered like a determined frogman, eagerly bearing pearl and light from the abyss, into the dismal, tight tenements of Western democracy. His mission was clear: to illuminate the darkest corners of government secrecy and expose the mechanisms of power.

Read Also: Jayriz revolutionises Nigerian Music Industry with Over You

His controversial arrest, detention, and trial were not just personal tribulations but a profound commentary on the state of freedom of expression in the modern world.

This is why his story isn’t just about the intricacies of his tumultuous journey, but a jarring expose of the threads of political intrigues, judicial overreach, and indomitable spirit of a man who dared to challenge the most formidable powers.

The Man Behind the Curtain: Who is Julian Assange?

Julian Assange, born in Townsville, Australia, in 1971, developed an interest in computers from a young age and gained a reputation as a sophisticated programmer in his teens. His arrest in 1995 for hacking marked the beginning of a complex relationship with the law, but it was his creation of WikiLeaks that would catapult him to international notoriety. Assange’s commitment to exposing government malfeasance and bringing hidden truths to light has been both his greatest achievement and the source of his deepest troubles.

He emerged from relative obscurity to global notoriety in 2010 when WikiLeaks released a trove of classified U.S. military documents and diplomatic cables. These revelations, including the infamous “Collateral Murder” video, which depicted U.S. military forces killing civilians in Iraq, catapulted Assange into the international spotlight. For some, he was a hero exposing government malfeasance; for others, a reckless agitator endangering lives and national security.

A platform for whistleblowers to anonymously send primary-source documents to a media outlet, WikiLeaks was the first of its kind. Today, a version of it exists in the toolkits of every news organisation around the world. Unsurprisingly, back then, WikiLeaks made enemies among governments and corporations whose secrets it had exploded. The highpoint of its conflict with powerful bodies was sparked after Chelsea Manning, a youthful US Army private, horrified by the death and violence she was witnessing in the wars she’d been dispatched to in the Middle East, downloaded thousands of US government files and gave them to WikiLeaks, whose operators believed they proved crimes and other violations of power should be publicly aired and their contents made known.

When WikiLeaks partnered with a number of different journalistic organisations to release stories based on Manning’s leaks between 2010 and 2011, these media partners – including many of the large mainstream news outlets – were initially entirely dependent on WikiLeaks. Eventually, they departed as cheerleaders to become its enemies.

Perhaps because of the failures of the mainstream media during the war in Iraq – when much of the US news media unquestioningly reported an administration bent on making a case for war to the American people – WikiLeaks became well-known.

The contrary ethic of WikiLeaks saw journalism as a lever for power, dedicated to ‘catalysing change through the statement of fact’, as Assange said. ‘If wars can be started by lies, peace can be started by truth,’ a rallying cry from I.F. Stone, the cultish Cold War radical journalist from whom Assange drew his inspiration. Assange subordinated his interests to those of the state in precisely the way that makes a freelance journalist suspicious. Unlike traditional publishers and editors, he did not profit from his stolen goods or collude in the intelligence establishment. He was far too radical.

When WikiLeaks continued exposing US secrets, the US government fought back ferociously. Manning was arrested, tortured into confessing to improbably vast crimes, and given a historically extreme prison sentence, which she is now serving at the military’s ADMAX supermax facility in Florence, Colorado, one of the most restrictive penitentiaries in the US system. Afraid that he would be next, Assange sought and received asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy, in London, where he lived for seven years.

The Pursuit: From Asylum to Arrest

Assange’s journey from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he sought asylum for nearly seven years, and sought to avoid extradition to Sweden on sex assault charges, to his dramatic arrest in April 2019 by the British police, following Ecuador’s withdrawal of asylum was a pivotal moment in the saga of his relentless pursuit.

Until his arrest, his Ecuadorian sanctuary became his prison, a place where he fathered two children and married his partner, Stella Moris. The US government’s relentless pursuit of Assange under the Espionage Act for the publication of classified documents was unprecedented, targeting a publisher in a way never seen before. Under successive administrations, the United States pursued him with a tenacity that underscored the high stakes of his revelations. Charged with multiple counts under the Espionage Act, the charges against Assange were a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who dare to hold power to account.

The Detention: His Struggle Behind Bars

Confined in London’s Belmarsh Prison for over five years, Assange’s health deteriorated under harsh conditions typically reserved for the most dangerous criminals. The solitary confinement and limited access to medical care highlighted the punitive nature of his detention. Despite these adversities, Assange’s fight against extradition and for his freedom continued, supported by a global network of activists, journalists, and human rights organizations.

The Trial: A Theatre of Power and Resistance

Assange’s trial was a theatre of power, resistance, and unprecedented judicial scrutiny. The U.S. government’s arguments, centered on allegations of espionage and endangerment of lives, were met with fervent counterarguments emphasising the fundamental right to publish information of public interest. Assange’s US lawyer, Barry Pollack, described the prosecution as “unprecedented,” highlighting that the Espionage Act had never been used to pursue a publisher. Pollack asserted that Assange had revealed important and newsworthy information, including evidence of US war crimes, and had suffered tremendously in his fight for free speech and freedom of the press.

On June 24, 2024, Julian Assange left Belmarsh Prison in London and boarded a plane for Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. Upon reaching the US territory the next day, he was taken to a federal courthouse. Inside, Assange pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act.

When asked to explain his crime, Assange told the judge, “Working as a journalist I encouraged my source to provide information that was said to be classified in order to publish that information. I believe that the First Amendment protected that activity. I believe the First Amendment and the Espionage Act are in contradiction with each other, but I accept that it would be difficult to win such a case given all these circumstances.”

As part of the plea deal, Assange was sentenced to time served. During the sentencing, Chief US District Judge Ramona V. Manglona said, “The government has indicated there is no personal victim here. That tells me the dissemination of this information did not result in any known physical injury.” After setting the journalist free, the judge noted that the following week was Assange’s birthday, saying, “It’s apparently an early happy birthday to you.”

His Acquittal: A Victory for Press Freedom

Assange’s acquittal, following his plea deal, was not merely a legal victory but a resounding affirmation of the principles of press freedom. The ruling, which highlighted the overreach of the US government’s case and the lack of evidence to support the most serious charges, was a beacon of hope for journalists and whistleblowers worldwide. It underscored the essential role of a free press in a functioning democracy and the dangers of criminalising journalistic endeavors.

Beyond the Courtroom

The implications of Assange’s trial and acquittal extend far beyond the courtroom. They serve as a crucial reminder of the fragile nature of press freedom in an era of increasing authoritarianism and surveillance. Assange’s ordeal has galvanised a global movement advocating for greater protections for journalists and whistleblowers, reinforcing the need for robust legal frameworks that safeguard the right to inform and be informed.

A Legacy of Courage and Defiance

Julian Assange’s story is one of courage, defiance, and unwavering commitment to the truth. His journey, fraught with peril and sacrifice, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern journalism. As the dust settles on his trial, the world is left to ponder the enduring legacy of a man who stood at the precipice of power and proclaimed, unflinchingly, the right to know. His acquittal is not the end but a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for a free and just society.

In the end, Assange’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring importance of press freedom in the face of overwhelming odds.

As the journalist who exposed US war crimes, Assange was persecuted by a US government hellbent on criminalising his journalistic work. His freedom has, however, a bitter coda: his US antagonists insisted that journalism can violate the Espionage Act. His plea agreement does not decide legal questions, but the consequences of Assange’s prosecution will no doubt chill investigative journalism.

It capped a nearly 13-year-long farce, one that began with Assange’s final hearing in a courthouse in Saipan. There is no gainsaying Assange entered the courthouse as one of the most visible political prisoners in the world, and left a free man, who made the world’s most powerful government look small.

June 29, 2024
How Adesoye College shaped my life

Olabode Makanjuola, CEO Caverton Offshore Support Group

After exiting the citadel of learning 30 years ago in flying colours, it was a homecoming for Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Olabode Makanjuola, as he visited his alma mater, Adesoye College, an elitist private school located in Offa, Kwara State, last Saturday to deliver the Valedictory Speech for the 2024 Graduating class. Makanjuola, who has become a quint enssential role model, admonished the students to be good ambassadors as education received has equipped him with the skills, knowledge, and character to make a difference, therefore becoming independent, resilient and enterprising.

Gratitude, nostalgia and emotions ran through the mind of the occupier of the chopper as it hovered over the expansive landscape of the first elitist private school in Nigeria, Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State which has produced the best of the best since its establishment in 1987. The early morning breeze was soothing, as if determined to welcome back one of its own into the domain. The August Visitor left the school 30 years ago and has remained one of its shining lights. The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group was a guest of honour at the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2024 and on ground to welcome him was his former teacher who is now the Acting Head of the School, Mr. Lawal Raheem Bola; Head of Student Life, Dr. (Mrs.) Bolaji Adesoye, amongst others.

Adesoye happens to be the first elitist private school in Nigeria. Founded by the late proprietor, Chief Emanuel Olatunji Adesoye, whose vision and dream was to produce visionary leaders with an all-round education, emphasis is not just on academics but morals along with students embodying upright characters.

Over the last 37 years, the school has surpassed the founder’s expectations and to put it modestly, has over-achieved on its mission statement. Today, products of the school are high flyers occupying various positions in the corporate world, in governance and many others. Some are special advisers to presidents while some head large corporations and government agencies. Of course, the like of Makanjuola run successful companies and are calling the shots in the corporate world.

Studious, diligent, brilliant, Makanjuola left the citadel of learning 30 years ago and today, sits atop a prominent aviation and marine logistics company based in Nigeria which has been a story of tremendous successes and opening new vistas. The accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, who served as a prefect in Red House during his time, was one of the citadel’s third set of students between 1989 and 1994. In his valedictory speech, Makanjuola spoke glowingly about the school’s core values of hard work, excellence, character, which have been the guiding lights in his endeavours. According to him, he was overwhelmed with nostalgia and a profound sense of duty returning to give a speech 30 years after passing out with distinctions, especially seeing the famous red bricks, yellow gates and the arch following the 4-journey through Lagos and Offa.

“As a former student of Adesoye College, having been part of the third set admitted in 1989, and graduating in 1994, I stand before you today not only as a witness to your journey but also as a bearer of a crucial message. Nigeria, our beloved nation, is a tapestry of challenges, dreams, and untapped potential. It is within this very complexity that we, as Adesoye College alumni, must find our calling. We must rediscover our national pride and redouble our efforts in contributing to the development of Nigeria for the future.

Read Also: Beach Volleyball: Nigeria wins U19 Girls Nations Cup

“In our lives, we often come across the phrase ‘I tried.’ However, let me tell you, as someone who has experienced both success and failure, that ‘I tried’ is never enough. It has become synonymous with giving up, with accepting mediocrity. We must unlearn this notion and become result-oriented individuals, where the end goal is the only goal. The education we received at Adesoye College has equipped us with the skills, knowledge, and character to make a difference. We were taught to be resilient, to embrace challenges, and to never be complacent. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to use these tools to solve the challenges that confront our communities, our nation,” he stated in his rousing speech.

Makanjuola paid homage to Fred Allison, a fellow alumnus of the 1989 set and his friend of 30 years who travelled with him to the event and teachers like Mr. Lawal, his agricultural science teacher; Mr Olanipekun, Mr and Mrs Ajaere, Mr Whitebread, Mr Bullock and the pioneer headmistress, Mrs REB Howard as well as the now late founder, Chief Adesoye.

Speaking further, Makanjuola said “Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of progress. As we navigate our journey beyond these walls, I encourage each and every one of you to see challenges as opportunities. Create innovative solutions, start impactful businesses, and change the landscape of Nigeria. The challenges that our nation faces should not intimidate us; instead, we should see them as stepping stones to success. But let us not forget the importance of collective responsibility. Bringing about meaningful change requires collaboration, empathy, and compassion for our fellow Nigerians. Together, we can build a society that thrives on inclusivity, where no one is left behind. For those of us who are fortunate enough to carve successful careers, I implore you to remember the responsibility you have to give back to society. Solving community challenges should be ingrained in our ethos, a constant reminder of where we came from and the impact we can have,” said the man who founded Caverton Helicopters along his siblings in 2004 and co-founded Le Global Gas added.

In a brief chat with journalists, the successful entrepreneur recalled his first day at school which he said was a mixed bag of emotions. “I was a 12-year-old starting a new phase far from home in a completely new environment. As any 12-year-old at the time and even today, excitement at the thought of being “independent” was apparent but at the same time “fear and anxiety” of being away from home for the first time for a long period of time occupied my being. Obviously, I was homesick but bonded with fellow students and that’s how our friendships were formed.”

Speaking glowingly about the school, he said “It has shaped me a great deal. Time in boarding school are your formative years and some of my closest and genuine friends today are from Adesoye. Not to sound cliche but Adesoye taught us to be independent, resilient and enterprising.”

Waving aside the notion of being the choice of rich kids, Makanjuola said Adesoye College was not just the preserve or choice of the rich but rather, it was the college of choice at the time for anyone looking for quality education and discipline “in my time”. “We had families from all walks of life and from all over the country. I learnt financial management from Adesoye as provisions were not allowed and the school developed a cashless policy where you could only buy provisions from the school using a specially designed cheque book. The list is endless in terms of my experience and how the college shaped my life.”

On his plans to give back to the great citadel of learning, Makanjuola said in their days, students travelled to different places to acquire secondary education but today, the nation is less secure so parents are wary of their children travelling a long distance. Also, there is the option of similar or better schools in closer proximity. However, there are children and families close to Adesoye that equally desire and deserve a quality education and he believes as an alumnus, he will work together with the school management to preserve the school and the legacy of the founder.

Praising the late visioner, Chief Emmanuel Adesoye, the acting Head of School, Mr. Lawal Raheem Bola, who has been with school since inception in 1987, said he is delighted to welcome Makanjuola back into their midst.

“We are glad to have him here. We have been calling on people from outside to come and talk. We now looked around and said ‘look, we have our own people, proudly Adesoye. We have them all over the place in positions of authority. So, let’s get them to the school.’ Let them come and talk and inspire these younger ones by coming to speak. It would be a kind of inspiration. Obviously, seeing him coming out of his chopper is already an inspiration to ignite the ‘I can do spirit, I can conquer the world.’”

Describing the astute business man, he added,” I am an agriculturalist. I was ‘Bode’s teacher. I taught him agricultural science. Bode is cool-headed, humble, committed, very gentle, easy-going and almost a Saint. He was even a prefect in Olabande, Red House. Bode was outstanding and for him to be selected and elected to be in the position of a prefect in Adesoye those days, because the population used to be very large. So, all of them were equally good. But he was very good. When you look at his character; diligent, studious and his disposition while he was here, I know he would go places. Honestly, he is one of the torch bearers of the institution which has produced outstanding students who have made giant strides in their endeavors.

“We are really, really proud of him. Very, very, very proud of him. And that is why we want to showcase him so that parents can see, and say look, this is a product from this same school where you are from, so you have not made a mistake. You have come to the right place.”

On the spirit of giving back to the institution, Mr. Lawal said it is a welcome development. “We have been clamouring for this for a long time. Because the problem has been that each year/group, they are in their enclaves. After this valedictory service, Bode and Fred have promised to spearhead the move of bringing the various year groups together and then form the parent body. We are even considering a candidate from them, maybe two or three to be part of the governing council. Now they are carrying the toga of the alma mater, wherever they go now, they carry that toga of Adesoye college. There is no way we can discard that. It will always be with them. So, for them until now, to carry that, they have to be carrying it proudly too. And that means they must see and put an eye on whatever is going on there so that they will be able to maintain and sustain the quality which they enjoy when they were there,” he stated.

June 29, 2024
‘My people stopped producing rice because they thought witches were turning into birds to eat up their farms’

The Elerinmo of Erinmoland, Osun State, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, a widely travelled man before he ascended the throne about 10 years ago. The former expatriate Executive Vice President of US-owned Pharmaceutical manufacturing giant, Phyto Riker Pharmaceuticals, overseeing the export of high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to over 20 African countries among other high-flying jobs, spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about the strange circumstances that heralded his ascendance of the Erinmo stool, the challenges that have attended his 10-year-reign and his thoughts on government’s handling of the traditional institution, among other issues.

In a couple of weeks from now, you will be celebrating your tenth anniversary on the throne of your forefathers. How has the journey been?

Long before I was born, there was a prophecy that I would be king, even long before my mother got married to my father. Incidentally, there was another prophecy at my mother’s place, which is a different community and different state from my father’s. I remember my mother telling me that she was a student at Mary Immaculate College, which was a Catholic School, and my great-grandmother was upset because she believed that attending the Catholic school meant she would not be getting married or having children. And she said you are the one that they said would bear us a king. That was going on.

Again, in my community, Erinmo, there was the vision of a king that would come in my own time, and my father was one of the first university graduates in the community and its environs at that time. When my mother got pregnant for my father, she came back to live with my grandmother. My grandmother told my mother that she should say that the baby she was carrying in her womb was a girl, but my mum said, “He is a boy.”

Eventually, she gave birth to me at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesha, and it was a boy. My mother then told my grandmother, “Mama, didn’t I tell you it would be a boy?”

Apparently, she knew about the prophecy and she was hiding my identity, so they dressed me up like a girl and plaited my hair like a girl’s. I learnt that when it was time to give me a name, I was named at about 1 a.m. with all my names, which included Adeagbo, Adebowale, and so on. This continued, but I understand that after some months, some people came to greet my grandmother and they said “Why are you deceiving us? This child is a boy. Is he not the one we have been talking about?” They realised that the secret was out. They evacuated me from the town, and I never came back until many, many years later.

When the time came for us to occupy the throne, of course, it was the turn of Arowotawaya royal lineage. They had thought that my father would come and do it. Unfortunately, he died. They made up their minds that nobody else would take the throne unless his first son, which was me. That was how I ended up finding myself on the throne as ordained.

Did you face any challenges in the process of becoming the traditional ruler of the town?

Naturally. In Erinmo, there are other ruling houses. Some people had thought they would be able to take it over by one means or the other, but the general percentage of the community knew that it was the turn of Arowotawaya, and they knew who the king would be. Naturally, there were some challenges. Even in my own family and within the other ruling houses, there were litigations that all failed, because they realised that they were fighting a lost cause. Yes, there was. I don’t think there is anywhere in the whole of Nigeria these days that a king would just emerge without one opposition or the other. It is a normal procedure.

I remember my most important mentor, Ooni Sijuwade, said ote lo man mu oye dun, meaning that such challenges are part of kingship.

Considering the drama that is currently going on in Kano, what is your take on this policy of a local government chairman or a governor determining the fate of a traditional ruler?

It is unfortunate, very unfortunate. In an ideal situation, at least in our own situation, according to the Yoruba tradition, a king cannot emerge unless God has approved or ordained the king to emerge. And so in Yoruba tradition, a consultation had to have been made long ago to determine who is capable among those who are contesting. That is a normal procedure. But under the circumstances we have found ourselves, we now find that even after that choice had been made, with full consultations by the kingmakers in the presence of all other people including the local government authorities and so on, there is still a need for the governor to accent to the selection. More or less it is the governor that gives the final accent to say so and so person has been approved to be king. And this is the case in every part of Nigeria today.

However, because this is political authority and will supervise traditional authority, there is a problem. That problem is what is obviously happening in Kano, where a governor deposed an emir and appointed another emir, and another governor came to depose the emir and bring back the former emir. It is going to continue like this until the traditional institution gets its rightful place. And would it ever get its rightful place? They need to be part of the constitution. A constitutional role has to be given to traditional rulers in Nigeria. In other words, there are three arms of government, the fourth must be the traditional ruler, so that they can exist independently, have assigned roles, and work within that ambit.

You lived in the city before you became the traditional ruler of Erinmo. Is there anything you are missing in the village?

After 10 years, I have gotten accustomed to my position. The position of a king is a lifetime one. It is not like a political position that you are there for about four or eight years, after which you have to leave the position. Because it is a position that makes me in constant contact with my people, it means that I recognise the fact that I see this as an assignment. The king is like a servant. The job of a king is to look after the welfare of his people and to develop his community. It is not about the symbolic grandeur of glamour. No, it is not about that. The whole focus essentially is on the welfare of your people, because whatever it is being done will have an effect on generations to come.

I live in Lagos. I have lived outside Nigeria. So, moving down to a rural area was a total change of lifestyle. I have accepted my situation because this is what I was ordained to do even before I was born. You know in our case we have to go through a period of isolation called ipebi. In that period, it is like sending your phone or computer to an engineer to wipe off old memory and reset and download other things. Right now, my thinking, my behaviour, essentially aligned with the traditional expectations of my position as against when I was a prince on my own to operate the way I wanted to.

You just mentioned ipebi (isolation). Many would-be kings are shunning it or would not follow or perform the rite because they believe it is evil. What is your take on this?

The question you should ask is what do they know about ipebi? People who are talking about ipebi are probably talking about what they watch on the African movies. How is it possible to wear a uniform as a policeman or soldier without going to police college or the Nigerian Defence Academy?

Ipebi is a period where you are isolated, seeking discipline, knowledge, training, and preparations ahead of the time of ruling over your people. You cannot just jump from your private life and wear a crown. Wearing a crown does not make you a king; it is the knowledge, attitude, and behavior that make one a king, not just wearing the crown. There is nothing evil about ipebi; it is a period of discipline, a period where you get to learn about your culture, customs, dos and don’ts from physical human beings and the God Almighty who is the one that has put you on the throne.

I think those who talk about ipebi have never been there or do not know what operates there and just assume. You know it is common for people to make such assumptions when they don’t really have an understanding of what really goes on there. If the people are having a meeting, they just assume something evil is going on there. That is not true at all. Jesus excused himself and went to the mountain. And when he was going, he asked his disciples to wait. There is always that period of seclusion.

Even in normal life, people would say they want to reminisce, to think about what to do, and then excuse or isolate themselves. You can’t jump from private life and become a king without knowing what it is all about. Why I said it is both physical and spiritual is that as much as people teach you, the chiefs teach you various aspects of your culture, the expectations, what you should do, and what you shouldn’t do. God still needs to pass some lessons to you. Remember, there is no succession plan in kingship. In other words, one king has to die before another king takes over. It is unlike leaving an office and handing over; you are coming into the office on your own. That is why we say Oba mewa, igba mewa. It is a different ball game.

There have been cases where some Yoruba Oba had to do away with the traditional religion, culture, and tradition. How have you been able to manage these?

I think it is a wrong perception to say this or what everybody has been saying, everybody who becomes king must have religion or whatever they were practicing. People were born Christian, Muslim or born into traditional religion. But the moment you accept to be a king, you are a king over the people. You call me a traditional ruler. I’m not a Christian ruler or a Muslim ruler. That does not becloud the fact that there is only one God Almighty. This God Almighty is neither a Christian God nor a Muslim God; we are only adopting different ways to reach out to him.

There is only one God Almighty. What is evil is known to us. It is known to Christians and known to every other religion. We all know when we are doing good. We also know when we are doing evil.

I am a traditional ruler, yes. It does not stop me from being a Christian. But I have to understand the fact that I cannot accept to be a soldier and refuse to wear khaki. That would mean that I’m in the wrong profession. Those traditional rulers who say they want to abandon tradition are doing so because of a lack of understanding of their role. You cannot say you are a traditional ruler and say no to tradition. Nobody made you a king with anointing oil, neither was anybody made a king with tesbiy or something.

People were made king over their people. That does not mean that the moment you become king, you have become evil and you are now working with the devil. There is only one God, and it is that same God that has made us kings. That is why even in the Christian world, we say God is king of Kings. It doesn’t change anything about who I am, and I believe in God Almighty. I have no doubt about the fact that I’m here doing His assignment as king over His own people.

When you hear things like I don’t want to be associated with tradition, Yoruba gods are small gods, and things like that, how does it make you feel?

As I said, everything will answer to its situation when the time comes. I’m not in a position to query anybody’s behavior. Everybody cannot be the same, and there is nothing like the Yoruba god. God is one God Almighty. The mistake people make is to assume that certain things, certain people are being referred to as God. No, there is no competition for God. There is only one God, and people have only devised different means of reaching out to God. People put the image of Jesus Christ on the cross, and Muslims put inscriptions that represent Islam. People do different things. The Hindus have their own.

Everybody knows God is Almighty. Muslims say Allah Akbar, that is God is Almighty. When you say Jesus Christ is Lord, we know God is Almighty. I think it is a wrong perception to have to think that the moment you say you are king, you are worshipping something. Nobody can worship anything other than God Almighty. However, the manner and the mode of worship differ. Before Christianity came, before Islam came to the world, we were reaching out to God, we were talking to God, and He was answering our prayers. It is the same God we have now, even though Christianity and Islam are with us, remember that these two are imported religions.

It is a wrong perception when people say it is Yoruba God. There is nothing like Yoruba God. God is God Almighty. Things we refer to as gods are people with different supernatural powers that we Yorubas call akanda, eni ti ori sa da. That is what the Yoruba call orisa. Even a king is an orisa, because God has differentiated kings from every other person whereby people who are older than his father will prostrate and kneel for him. That is why a king is like an orisa. Eni ori sa o da, somebody who is able to perform more than an ordinary person. That person is subjected to the God Almighty.

When I became king in 2014, I realised that the essential purpose of my kingship stool is to bring development to my people and cater for their welfare. Over time, Erinmo has been known to be a spiritual town because of the potency of various spiritual mountains that we have. And people troop there for pilgrimage and they get answers to their prayers. At a time too, Erinmo was producing rice. Our rice was one of the best in the area available. Along the line, people stopped producing rice, saying that witches were turning into birds and eating their things. We are in the process of revitalising that, because I had to convince them that everywhere there is fruit, birds will always go there to eat, and this has nothing to do with witches and wizards. They have accepted that.

Erinmo land is fertile for so many things like cocoa and so on. We built a cocoa house where our farmers can produce and send forth, and then we can move on to the next stage of finding an export market or making useful use of them. Of course, we have arable land for farming and so on. We first of all have to provide the infrastructure needed. The electricity was there fading but we had to renew the transformer or whatever and focus on education to people who just thought they just go to school partially, but now everybody understands that education is the key. So I had to introduce various scholarship schemes for students to do more so that they can do well in their exams.

We have plans for youth development. We have one for women’s empowerment, we have one for the adult. So, every time we have an activity, we cater for welfare. We provide food for those who are in need. We cater for the youth by helping them to support their businesses, and we cater for farmers and women by providing the tools they need as farm implements.

We are moving on to stage three now. We are looking to having a full-fledged higher institution in Erinmo and, of course, we want to have real estate where people can own houses in a special part of Erinmo. Thank God, Erinmo is in the eye of everywhere. We are the border town to Ekiti. If you are going to Abuja, there is a federal road that goes through Erinmo. We share the express road coming from Lagos, Ibadan, Ilesha to Akure. We are on that road. This is the whole concept.

Talking about praying mountains in Erinmo, I read somewhere that your people had a problem with one of the owners of the prayer mountains. How did you resolve this?

We didn’t have any problem with them. Erinmo is the owner of Orioke (Prayer Mountain). There are different ‘Baba Aladuras’ on the ‘ori oke’. The last one was the one from Efon Alaye, and the issue was simply the fact that there was an attempt upon his death to convert the ‘ori oke’ to another town by calling it Ori Oke Erinmo via Efon Alaye, which was not correct.

There was an attempt to bury the corpse on the mountain, which was not allowed. Essentially, the matter was taken up. It has been resolved. The Orioke is open and it is being used now. We are expanding the construction of the road to make it comfortable for people to sleep over. We are planning to expand the road to make it easier for people to get to the mountain, because it a powerful mountain and we only needed to assert our authority as the owners of Orioke. The Orioke belongs to Erinmo as a town, not to any individual.

Ijeshaland has been attractive to rampaging herders and Erinmo is not an exception. What are you doing to prevent them from attacking the town?

Erinmo is not different. Every part of Yorubaland is attractive because of the arable land and so on. What we have done in the past was to engage their leaders to explain to them the need to avoid open grazing in and around Erinmo, and when crops are destroyed over time, people have arranged compensation for the farmers. That has been the case. But it requires legislation to make it easier.

Of course, we work hand in hand with security agencies including the police, Amotekun, and so on, to ensure that when a situation is beyond our control, they take charge. But regular engagement is the best way of handling some of these problems.

Culturally, Yoruba monarchs are expected to have many wives. What is your take on polygamy?

Polygamy isn’t about Yoruba monarchs; it is about Africa as a whole. I was at the coronation of the king of Zulu. He is polygamous. Even people who are not kings are polygamous. It is an African thing. It is unfortunate that the white people came and told us that it has to be one man, and one wife. These are the same people engaging in other forms of it. I don’t think that is an issue.

I don’t think God has any issue against polygamy, because reading the Bible, all the people who could talk to God, people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David, who God called a king after my own heart,’ Solomon and co, it is not about polygamy; it is more about the ability to achieve the assignment God has given you. It is not about the number of wives. There is nothing wrong with being polygamous; it is a personal choice about whatever you think you can handle it. If you can handle more than one wife, fine. If you can take care of two or three and they are happy with one another or you can maintain them, fine. I don’t think it is a real issue.

It was because of the monarchs in the olden days, even now, kings get women. Women are given out to kings either from a fellow kingdom or from a kingdom that they had war with, and use that to settle their differences. A king can just say I’m giving you my daughter to marry because we want to have a relationship. It is like forming a bond or an alliance. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. They can’t give you a wife and you say you don’t want a wife. I don’t think it is an issue. I don’t think polygamy is an issue people should bother themselves about. It is not about kingship. People who are not kings are polygamous.

How would you rate the performance of the Amotekun corps in Osun?

Generally speaking, Amotekun has done very well. I think Amotekun needs to be supported financially. There is a need to get more funding for the scheme. The concept itself is very okay, and we can expand it to all our hunters who are suitable. They don’t have to wear uniforms. We need to train them because they are always in the forest, they see more than other people see.

Read Also: One dies, houses razed as masquerade festival turns communal clash in Osun

Within the limits of the funds available to them, they have done very well. All the governors have done very well with Amotekun. But there is a need for more interfaces with the traditional rulers. There should be a security committee that should involve traditional rulers. There should be security funds available to the traditional rulers because most of the problems are handled at that level even before they are transferred to the government level.

You will be celebrating your 10th anniversary in August. What are the things you have done in the last 10 years and what are your future plans for the town?

I give God Almighty the glory for the opportunity to ascend the throne and for keeping me up to this time because one year in the life of a king is like 10 years. So my 10th coronation anniversary is like being on the throne for 100 years. It is a lot of work; very tasking. And I am glad that in the last 10 years, I’ve not left my people the way they had been. I have improved their lifestyle. We managed several crises including COVID-19, which ravaged everywhere but somehow it never got to Erinmo because people were taken care of. And when they could not go to work, we made arrangements for palliatives for them constantly and they were very well taken care of.

We have improved the electricity situation in Erinmo. It is much better than it was before. Education has been given priority. We have rebuilt schools because we got so many grants from the World Bank to build one of our schools. We have increased the number of primary schools and new schools are opened up in the town. There is a tertiary institution that will be opening very shortly. That has expanded the scope of education in Erinmo to a large extent.

We have supported the farmers too with a lot of implements over some time; almost an annual thing. We have looked after the welfare of our people through medical outreaches.

I believe 10 years is a milestone and, it is an opportunity for me to give God Almighty the glory, thank Him for the opportunity, for being with me, and to rejoice with my people. The programme starts on 6th of August and closes on 11th. Of course, we will celebrate one of our major festivals which is Agidanyin Festival, that is erinmo Founder’s Day, Agidanyin, is the first king in Erinmo, the son of Obalufon Alayemore, who was twice the Ooni of Ife, and the founder of Erinmo. We will celebrate his festival. We will go to the mosque, we will go to the church. We will have a carnival for the youth. We will have something for educational purposes for the school children where they will have a debate and inter-school challenges.

We will award scholarships for various categories of people. We will have a day for praise and worship where we will invite people, notable songstress and ministers to minister to the people. It is a way of giving thanks to the Almighty. And then we have the grand royal reception on the 10th of August where several dignitaries have been invited. We will use the opportunity to felicitate with one another. So many things to do.

You must have had your challenges. How did you surmount them?

The first challenge for me was how to acclimatize to living in Erinmo, considering that I had never lived there before. Everytime I woke up, I wondered if I was really here or I was daydreaming. But I came to the realization that there was no point complaining because it is a point of no return. So I had to organise myself to be free.

The second issue I had was the fact that I was now in the midst of illiterates and semi-literate people yet I have to communicate with them and they have to communicate with me. I quickly had to get used to that, be able to speak their own language, come down to their level, and be able to relate with them.

Thirdly, you are planning something big, but you need to know what your people want. I think this is also important for the government to know. You assume that once you give everybody money, they will be fine. No, there will be other important things they need.

When we started, we empowered a lot of people, and we realised that most of the men were getting married to more wives, getting drunk, getting home late, increasing domestic violence, and so on because they had excess money. The moment we shifted focus to women we realised that no matter how irresponsible a woman may want to be, she will look after the family.

We had issues with certain people or areas who were at war with one another. We were able to reach some kind of reconciliation and that has brought peace to the community.

I have gone through a lot in the sense that as a king, I’m serving my people and I’m serving them 24 hours. There is no time for myself. The door of the palace is open to visitors. Sometimes you find it difficult to get into the entrance of the palace quarter to six in the morning. And on Sundays, they are there with me till 8pm. There is no time. It is not like civil service where you work Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. No, you are always at service.

Even when you are not in town for one reason, my phone has to be on, because I need to be available to receive calls and be able to give directives as to what to do. We have a fortnight community ‘ajo’, which is a community town hall. We meet with chiefs, and when there are cases, such as disputes on lands, we bring them up.

You know in the olden days, the king was the judge, the king was the Inspector General of Police, he was the president, he was the governor, he was everything. We still enact this because we have had several instances where people take cases to court but have to return home to resolve the issue because the truth of the matter is that when it comes to land issues, you can’t resolve them in law courts

We in the town or the palace know the truth because there must be somebody who can give us the testimony and whereas people go to court swear with Bible or Quran and still tell lies, nobody will dare do that inside the palace. So, there is a need again to work out some kind of jurisprudence that allows the king to reach judgment, document this judgment, so that if there is any other case they can pick the sample and take the judgment to court. They need to register and accept the magistrate or customary court as a part of the judicial system legally and formally .

Considering what you go through every day, do you sometimes regret taking this kingship role?

Initially, I felt like that, but God Almighty made me realise that this is an exalted position. You see, God has a plan for everybody. If you were meant to be a tailor and you found yourself as a carpenter, you won’t succeed. But if you go into tailoring, somehow the door is going to open. I’m no longer regretting it. How can I regret being a king? I see the stress; there are lot of stress. There is a lot of white hair on my body which I never had before. I have had to attend to people’s problems more than my own. Sometimes my family suffers because I’m unable to give them as much attention as they would desire. But I try to make it up to them.

Yes, there are instances when I feel I’m overwhelmed. But that is why a king is different. A king is supposed to be superhuman. A king is supposed to be twice wise enough to people who are more than his age, and it is only God who can put you in that position. Yes, I have times that I feel challenged, but I have learnt not to query God.

June 29, 2024
Voices unheard: Tales of stigma, suffering of women seeking abortion

Across Nigeria, abortion remains a taboo subject, often cloaked in stigma and silence in both northern and southern regions. Beneath this façade lies a harsh reality: women silently grapple with intense emotional trauma, encounter harsh societal judgment and ostracism, and face life-threatening risks due to restrictive abortion laws that frequently push many into seeking unsafe procedures. Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF delves into the severe challenges women face within Nigeria’s complex cultural, religious and legal landscape, emphasising an urgent need for systemic reforms to overhaul retrogressive policies and create a healthcare system that guarantees safe, accessible services and protects women’s reproductive rights.

Ada’s story begins in the bustling city of Lagos, where the vibrant energy of the metropolis belies her inner turmoil. At 24, Ada found herself pregnant and unprepared, caught in the throes of an unplanned pregnancy with her boyfriend, who quickly vanished upon hearing the news. “I felt like I was drowning,” Ada recalls, her voice a fragile whisper. “Everywhere I turned, there was judgment, and no one to turn to for help.”

The decision to terminate the pregnancy was not an easy one. Ada endured the procedure in a dingy, unlicensed clinic, the fear of discovery weighing heavily on her. The physical pain was excruciating, but it was the psychological aftermath of procuring abortion from an unlicensed source that left the deepest scars. “After the procedure at the unlicensed clinic, I struggled with regret and unease. The conditions were poor, and I didn’t receive the care I needed. It left me with a lot of anxiety and discomfort, which made it hard to move forward,” she said in a voice tinged with sadness.

Overwhelmed by profound confusion and emotional turmoil, Ada retreated into isolation, distancing herself from friends and family. Her once vibrant personality diminished into a shadow of its former self as she struggled with depression and anxiety, largely caused by the misguided treatment of dubious practitioners. It was only through the intervention of a compassionate therapist that Ada began to find a glimmer of hope. “Talking to someone who didn’t judge me was a lifeline,” Ada says, a faint smile breaking through the gloom. “I’m still healing, but I’m learning to forgive myself and find peace.”

Bolu’s story also begins in the labyrinthine streets of Lagos, a city teeming with life yet indifferent to her plight. She dreamt of a future adorned with education and opportunity, but fate had inscribed a different path. At 19, burdened by the weight of poverty and fear, Bolu found herself pregnant, trapped in the throes of desperation. In a society that offered no sanctuary for the voiceless, she sought refuge in the shadows of clandestine clinics to escape the treacherous terrain of an unwanted pregnancy.

Her tale reverberates through the halls of anonymity, a voice stifled by societal stigma. “I had no choice,” she whispers, her eyes clouded with tears and her voice trembling with regret. With nowhere to turn, Bolu sought solace in the shadows of back-alley clinics. The clandestine procedure promised liberation but delivered only agony. Alone and abandoned, Bolu’s voice faded into the abyss, another casualty of a system indifferent to her suffering. Behind closed doors, she endured the torment of a perilous procedure, her screams swallowed by the void of despair.

In the rural hinterlands of Kano, Fatima’s life was a tapestry of tradition and familial expectations. Forcefully ‘married’ off at 16, she had already borne three children by the age of twenty-one. When she discovered she was pregnant again, the weight of her responsibilities threatened to crush her. “My husband and I could barely provide for the children we already had,” Fatima explains, her voice tinged with despair. “I felt like I was failing my family.” The decision to seek an abortion was fraught with danger. In a region where abortion is not only restricted but deeply stigmatised, Fatima risked everything to protect her family’s future. The procedure was clandestine and perilous, performed by a local healer with rudimentary tools. “The pain was unbearable, but the worst part was the fear,” she recalls. “I was terrified of being found out, of being ostracised by my community.”

Fatima’s ordeal did not end with the procedure. She was haunted by nightmares and an overwhelming sense of guilt. In a society where mental health support is scarce, Fatima’s struggle went unnoticed, her pain a silent burden. “I couldn’t talk to anyone about what I went through,” she says, her eyes downcast. “I felt so alone, like I was carrying a dark secret that no one could understand,” she said after patronising quacks. It was through a women’s support group that Fatima found a semblance of relief. Sharing her story with others who had faced similar experiences provided a sense of solidarity and healing. “Knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference,” she reflects. “It’s still hard, but I’m learning to live with my choices and find strength in my journey.”

The trio are united by a shared plight, similar to Ngozi’s, whose life in Enugu is a testament to resilience and determination. A successful businesswoman, Ngozi had always been in control of her destiny. But when an unplanned pregnancy threatened to derail her career, she made a choice that would haunt her for years. “I thought I could handle it, that I could just move on,” Ngozi admits, her voice trembling. “But the guilt and regret were like a constant weight on my shoulders.”

The abortion was a clinical procedure in a private hospital, far removed from the dangerous backstreet clinics. Yet, despite the sterile environment, the emotional aftermath was anything but clean. “I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror,” she confides. “I felt like I had betrayed my own values, like I was unworthy of happiness,” Ngozi said, her once unwavering confidence shattered. She became withdrawn and consumed by self-loathing, struggling to find purpose in her life. It was only through the intervention of a compassionate friend that Ngozi began to seek help.

Recounting her experience, Ngozi reflects on a pivotal moment shaped by the STOP guidelines, which emphasise the importance of comprehensive care through Safety, Timeliness, Options, and Privacy. She recounts, “She didn’t judge me; she just listened.” This moment of empathy and support was pivotal for Ngozi. The counsellor’s encouragement to seek therapy marked the beginning of Ngozi’s journey toward healing. The support Ngozi received was not merely procedural but profoundly transformative. It helped her confront the trauma she had endured and start to rebuild her sense of self-worth. Through therapy, Ngozi began to address her emotional wounds and found solace, a crucial step in her recovery. Her experience with mental health support also ignited a new purpose in her life. She became a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and reproductive rights, driven by her personal journey.

“I realised that my story could help others,” Ngozi reflects with renewed determination. “I’m not defined by my past, but by how I choose to move forward.” This transformation highlights the profound impact that adhering to the STOP guidelines can have on individuals. By ensuring that care is provided with compassion and respect, the STOP guidelines underscore the essential role of counselling in healing and empowerment.

Ngozi’s story illustrates the power of the STOP framework in enhancing abortion care. By prioritising Safety, Timeliness, Options, and Privacy, the guidelines not only help reduce the dangers associated with unsafe procedures but also support women’s emotional and psychological well-being. Through these principles, healthcare providers can offer high-quality, patient-centred care that fosters healing and supports women’s autonomy and dignity. In addressing Nigeria’s challenging abortion statistics, embracing the STOP guidelines can lead to meaningful improvements in both the quality of care and the overall health outcomes for women. Ngozi’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of compassionate care, demonstrating that, when women receive support that respects their dignity and choices, they can overcome their challenges and contribute positively to the community.

Periscoping the abortion landscape in Nigeria

Abortion, a deeply complex and contentious issue in Nigeria, is shaped by a multifaceted blend of cultural, religious and legal factors, creating a challenging landscape for women seeking reproductive health services. The rich cultural tapestry, interwoven with diverse traditions and beliefs, significantly influences perspectives on abortion, presenting a complex dilemma that urgently calls for reform.

To exacerbate the situation, cultural attitudes toward abortion are often reinforced by the teachings of the country’s major religions. Both Christianity and Islam, the predominant faiths, generally oppose abortion on the grounds of the sanctity of life, profoundly shaping public opinion and reproductive health policies. In Islam for example, the topic of abortion is approached with considerable nuance, reflecting the religion’s deep respect for the sanctity of life. Central to Islamic thought is the belief that human life is sacred and must be protected. This principle underpins the general stance on abortion, which varies depending on the stage of pregnancy and the circumstances surrounding it. The Quran and Hadith place significant emphasis on the protection of life, establishing a strong foundation for the prohibition against taking life unjustly. Abortion is typically viewed as a serious matter due to the belief that human life begins at conception, though the specific timing of ensoulment—the moment when the soul is believed to enter the foetus—plays a crucial role in determining the permissibility of abortion.

According to many Islamic scholars, ensoulment is thought to occur around 120 days into the pregnancy, or roughly four months. This belief is based on Hadiths that suggest the soul enters the foetus at this stage. Consequently, abortion is generally considered impermissible after this period unless there are compelling reasons. Before this point, there is more flexibility, but opinions vary among different scholars and schools of thought. Exceptions to the prohibition on abortion include situations where continuing the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the mother’s life or health. In such cases, clerics say preserving the life of the mother is prioritised, and abortion may be permitted. Additionally, some scholars allow abortion if severe foetal abnormalities are detected, particularly if these abnormalities are so severe that the child would face immense suffering or would not survive long after birth.

However, abortion for social or economic reasons is typically not permitted in Islam. The religion emphasises the responsibility of providing for a child and the sanctity of life, suggesting that decisions around abortion should be approached with this in mind. The interpretation of these principles can differ based on the Islamic jurisprudence school one follows—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, or Hanbali—each offering its own perspective on the issue. Additionally, as clerics explained, local cultural and legal contexts can influence how these principles are applied in different Muslim-majority countries.

In Christianity, abortion is also approached through a variety of interpretations, reflecting the diverse beliefs within the world’s most followed religion. Also, central to most Christian views on abortion is the belief in the sanctity of human life. Christian perspectives on abortion often emphasise that life is sacred from conception or an early stage of pregnancy. This belief is supported by passages in the Bible such as Psalm 139:13-16, which speaks of God’s involvement in the formation of life in the womb, and Jeremiah 1:5, which suggests that God knows individuals even before they are born. These scriptures contribute to the view that human life begins at conception and should be protected.

Read Also: Tinubu approves national construction, household support programme rollout

But in Roman Catholicism, the stance on abortion is notably strict. The Catholic Church teaches that life begins at conception and that abortion is morally unacceptable in all circumstances except perhaps to save the life of the mother. This position is grounded in the belief that every human life is sacred from the moment of conception until natural death. The Church’s teaching is clear in its opposition to abortion, reflecting its deep commitment to the sanctity of life. Similarly, the Eastern Orthodox Church holds a generally opposing view on abortion, considering it a serious moral wrong. Orthodox teachings align with the belief in the sanctity of life from conception, though they recognise that complex situations may arise. In cases where the mother’s life is in danger, the Orthodox Church may allow for abortion, though this is typically viewed as a last resort.

The law versus moral sentiments

Nigeria’s abortion laws are shaped by a combination of cultural, religious and legal factors, resulting in a highly restrictive environment. The legal framework is governed by two primary codes: the Criminal Code, which applies to the southern regions, and the Penal Code, which is in effect in the northern regions. Both codes impose stringent restrictions on abortion, allowing it only under very specific circumstances.

In southern Nigeria, where the Criminal Code prevails, abortion is prohibited except when it is necessary to save the life of the mother. Those who perform or assist in an abortion, including using abortion-inducing drugs, face severe legal consequences. The Criminal Code stipulates imprisonment for up to 14 years for anyone involved in such procedures. Similarly, in the northern regions of Nigeria, where the Penal Code is enforced, abortion is also illegal except to save the life of the mother. The Penal Code prescribes the same level of imprisonment—up to 14 years—for individuals who perform or facilitate an abortion. This includes women who seek abortions and those who provide or use abortion-inducing drugs.

According to abortion rights advocates, the legal restrictions reflect the deep cultural and religious influences across Nigeria. In the predominantly Muslim northern states, the Penal Code governs abortion laws, while in the predominantly Christian southern states, the Criminal Code is applied. Despite the regional differences in legal codes, the underlying restrictions and penalties are similar, largely driven by the country’s strong opposition to abortion rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. The restrictive nature of these laws creates significant challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system. Access to safe abortion services is extremely limited due to the stigma associated with abortion and the unclear guidelines regarding permissible exceptions. As a result, many women are forced to seek unsafe methods or clandestine procedures, which can lead to serious health complications or even death.

In Nigeria, abortion laws and guidelines vary significantly by state due to differences in local regulations and interpretations of federal laws. Lagos State, for example, the Lagos State Ministry of Health issued guidelines to provide clearer regulations on the circumstances under which abortions can be legally performed. In Osun State, guidelines have been implemented to regulate abortion services with a focus on medical and health-related justifications. The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has specific regulations and guidelines for abortion services, influenced by federal laws and policies. Similarly, Ekiti and Ogun states have developed their own guidelines that outline a framework for abortion services, emphasising health and safety considerations.

Despite these state-level guidelines, Nigeria’s overall legal framework for abortion remains highly restrictive and conservative. These state-specific regulations operate within the broader context of national laws and prevailing cultural attitudes, which frequently limit access to abortion services throughout the country. For example, Lagos State’s progressive abortion guidelines, introduced in 2020 to enhance access to safe abortion services under certain conditions—such as health risks to the mother or severe fetal abnormalities—were developed by leading medical and legal experts to address critical healthcare needs. However, these guidelines faced significant backlash from religious and social groups, leading to their suspension. Similarly, in 2023, Anambra State introduced guidelines intended to improve access to safe abortion services under specific conditions, but these also encountered strong opposition, resulting in their suspension. This ongoing situation underscores the persistent conflict between advancing healthcare policies and deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs in Nigeria. Consequently, both Lagos and Anambra states reverted to the more restrictive national legal framework on abortion, illustrating the complex interplay of legal, cultural and political factors that shape reproductive health policies.

The impact on women navigating Nigeria’s abortion landscape is both profound and distressing. Dr. Kehinde Okunade, Secretary of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) in Lagos, underscores that severe legal penalties surrounding abortion deter both women and healthcare professionals from pursuing legal services. This climate of fear frequently drives women toward unsafe and dangerous alternatives. The legal and social barriers create formidable obstacles for women seeking safe abortion care, highlighting the urgent need for legal reform to protect their health and rights.

Reproductive health experts assert that this restrictive legal framework does not diminish the demand for abortions but pushes it into clandestine settings, where procedures are performed under unsafe conditions that endanger women’s lives. The complex interplay of cultural, religious and legal factors creates an environment rife with challenges, including legal risks, health hazards, and deep-seated fears of societal rejection and moral condemnation. This amalgamation of issues contributes to a concealed crisis, where the experiences and voices of women are often marginalised and ignored, further emphasising the necessity for thoughtful and compassionate reform.

Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun, Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps (CBHGaps), highlights a critical issue: unsafe, clandestine abortions contribute to approximately 6,000 maternal deaths each year. The pervasive climate of fear often deters medical professionals from performing abortions, even when legally permitted, exacerbating the crisis. This hesitation disproportionately impacts marginalized and vulnerable populations, as wealthier individuals can more readily access safe abortion services.

The consequences are severe. Dr. Jagun emphasises that high maternal mortality rates adversely affect families, particularly existing children, by threatening their survival and overall well-being. Families face reduced incomes, and female children may be forced into caregiving roles, which can lead to school dropouts and perpetuate cycles of poverty. Cultural factors—such as prevailing norms, stigma, and discrimination—further complicate the issue, while hypocrisy also plays a role, as attitudes towards abortion can shift depending on who is affected.

Efforts by medical associations, such as the Nigerian Medical Association and the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to broaden legal indications for abortion have been stymied by religious and moral objections. Dr. Jagun argues that the enforcement of legal standards should be the domain of the police and judiciary, rather than being swayed by moral judgments. She emphasises that men and community leaders must play a pivotal role in driving change by fostering empathy and reducing stigma. Advocacy should focus on the effective implementation of existing laws and addressing gaps in legal indications, such as those related to malformed foetuses. Dr. Jagun calls for a united effort to overcome cultural and religious barriers, ensuring that abortion laws are applied fairly and effectively to safeguard women’s health and rights.

Inside Nigeria’s frightening abortion statistics

Nigeria’s abortion statistics present a stark and alarming picture, reflecting a crisis that is both deeply entrenched and profoundly urgent. The scale of the issue is underscored by data from reputable organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the Guttmacher Institute, and the World Bank. Reports from these credible institutions portray the gravity of Nigeria’s abortion statistics, revealing the interplay of unsafe practices, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers that exacerbate the problem.

Abortion remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, where restrictive laws and societal attitudes converge to create a perilous environment for women seeking this essential medical procedure. According to the Guttmacher Institute, Nigeria experiences one of the highest rates of unsafe abortions in the world. It is estimated that approximately 1.25 million abortions occur annually in Nigeria, with nearly 40% of these being unsafe—a statistic that places Nigeria among the highest in terms of unsafe abortion rates globally. This dire situation is compounded by the fact that about 50,000 women die each year due to complications arising from unsafe abortions, translating to an average of around 140 maternal deaths per day.

Unsafe abortions are a significant public health challenge, with the WHO reporting that they contribute substantially to maternal mortality rates. Unsafe abortion procedures are often carried out under unsanitary conditions, by untrained practitioners, or through hazardous methods that endanger the lives of women. The NDHS reveals that maternal mortality in Nigeria stands at an alarming rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that starkly highlights the broader implications of unsafe abortion practices.

But the impact of unsafe abortions extends beyond the immediate health risks. According to Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, a community medicine/public health expert and president of the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), who reiterates that unsafe abortion is the fourth leading cause of death among pregnant women in low and medium-income countries, warns that women who undergo unsafe abortions are at a higher risk of developing long-term complications, including chronic pain, infection, bleeding, infertility, psychological trauma, and even death. These complications can drastically affect a woman’s quality of life, further entrenching cycles of poverty and marginalisation, particularly in a country where access to healthcare services is already limited.

“Interestingly and importantly, unsafe abortion is preventable; that is why we must act to prevent unsafe abortions. In Africa, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, about three- quarters of abortions are unsafe and that is why the risk of dying is very high in Africa and remains a challenge. The proportion that has an unsafe abortion in West Africa amounts to 85 per cent while; less than 15 per cent have a safe abortion in some advanced economic nations. Abortion becomes unsafe when there is a lack of access to safe abortion; often but not always determined by the legal restriction,” he said during a webinar in 2021 on media coverage of unsafe abortion in Nigeria.

Prof Fatusi and other experts are united in their belief that the restrictive legal framework surrounding abortion in Nigeria exacerbates the issue. The country’s abortion laws are among the most stringent in the world, permitting abortion only under very limited circumstances, such as to save the life of the woman or in cases of rape or incest. This legal rigidity leaves many women without recourse to safe and legal abortion services, forcing them into the hands of clandestine providers. The Guttmacher Institute highlights that 88% of abortions in Nigeria are performed illegally, often in dangerous conditions that further jeopardise women’s health.

Cultural and religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards abortion in Nigeria. The country’s diverse population includes a range of religious and cultural perspectives, many of which are strongly opposed to abortion. These attitudes contribute to the stigma and secrecy surrounding the procedure, discouraging women from seeking help and reinforcing barriers to accessing safe services. The World Bank underscores that societal attitudes and cultural norms are critical factors influencing reproductive health outcomes, and Nigeria’s restrictive environment is a stark example of how these factors can hinder progress.

The repercussions of high maternal mortality rates and unsafe abortions extend beyond individual health concerns to impact broader socio-economic structures. Families affected by the loss of a mother face significant economic burdens, including loss of income and increased caregiving responsibilities. According to the World Bank, the economic impact of maternal mortality and morbidity is substantial, with families often facing reduced household income and increased healthcare costs. Moreover, the ripple effects of unsafe abortions can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality. The Guttmacher Institute points out that women who experience complications from unsafe abortions are often forced to leave the workforce or reduce their economic activities, further entrenching their socio-economic disadvantage. Female children in these families may also face increased responsibilities, such as caregiving or household duties, which can lead to school dropouts and reduced future economic opportunities.

‘Right to abortion as a human right issue’

The WHO and the United Nations (UN) have articulated clear and compelling positions regarding the right to abortion, underscoring its significance as a crucial component of reproductive health and human rights. These positions emphasise the necessity of ensuring safe, legal, and accessible abortion services to protect women’s health and promote gender equality. In its “Safe abortion: Technical and policy guidance for health systems” (2012), the WHO asserts, “Safe abortion is a core component of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Access to safe abortion services is essential to preventing unsafe abortions and reducing maternal deaths.” This statement underscores the critical role of legally sanctioned, medically supervised abortions in safeguarding women’s health. Unsafe abortion procedures, which often result from restrictive laws and limited access to care, significantly contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity. The WHO’s position is clear: to protect women’s health and save lives, access to safe abortion services must be guaranteed.

The WHO further elaborates on the impact of restrictive abortion laws in its “Abortion care guideline” (2022), noting, “Legal restrictions on abortion do not reduce the number of abortions but rather force women to seek unsafe procedures. Ensuring that abortion services are safe, legal, and accessible is vital for improving maternal health outcomes and achieving health equity.” This guidance highlights a fundamental truth: restrictive laws do not decrease the incidence of abortion but instead push women towards unsafe, clandestine procedures that endanger their lives. The WHO advocates for removing legal barriers to ensure that abortion services are safe, accessible, and equitable, thus improving overall health outcomes.

In its broader view on reproductive rights, the WHO’s “Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health” (2016) stresses, “Women’s reproductive rights are human rights. Every woman should have access to safe and legal abortion services, free from coercion, stigma and discrimination. These rights are essential to achieving health and well-being.” This perspective positions reproductive rights, including access to safe abortion, as fundamental human rights. Upholding these rights is essential not only for women’s health but also for their overall well-being.

Similarly, the United Nations also staunchly supports the right to safe and legal abortion as a cornerstone of reproductive health and human rights. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) asserts, “Every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and to access quality sexual and reproductive health services. This includes the right to safe and legal abortion. Access to abortion care is critical to ensuring women’s health, dignity, and autonomy.” This statement from the UNFPA reinforces the idea that reproductive autonomy, including the right to choose abortion, is vital for women’s health, dignity and independence.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, has highlighted the importance of access to safe abortion services. CEDAW states, “States parties should ensure that laws regulating abortion do not result in women being forced to seek unsafe procedures. Adequate health care services, including safe abortion, must be accessible to all women.” This position underscores the need for legal frameworks that facilitate access to safe and legal abortion services. Restrictive laws that lead women to seek unsafe procedures are seen as a violation of their rights and health.

In relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN emphasises the importance of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion. The UN Secretary-General’s Strategy on Youth (2018) notes, “To achieve SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), countries must ensure that every woman and girl has access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion. This is vital for reducing maternal mortality and improving overall health outcomes.” This statement reflects the UN’s recognition that access to safe abortion is crucial for achieving health-related SDG targets and improving health outcomes for women and girls.

The UN Human Rights Committee has also affirmed that restrictive abortion laws infringe upon women’s human rights. The Committee states, “Restrictions on abortion services, particularly those that lead to unsafe procedures, violate women’s rights to health, privacy, and life. The international human rights framework supports the decriminalisation of abortion and the provision of safe, legal services.” This position highlights that restrictive laws can violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to health, privacy, and life. The Committee advocates for the decriminalization of abortion and the availability of safe and legal services as crucial for protecting women’s rights.

The way forward

Despite the progress made in advocating for safe and legal abortion, the Nigerian context remains fraught with challenges. Women often seek abortions due to unintended pregnancies, inadequate access to contraception, socio-economic pressures, and the stigma associated with pregnancy outside of marriage. These factors not only complicate their decision-making but also heighten their vulnerability. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. Improving access to contraception, ensuring safe abortion services, and training healthcare providers are crucial steps.

Juliet Ottoh, a clinical psychiatrist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasises the crucial role of mental health support in empowering women to navigate their choices and assert their autonomy. “We believe that a policy focused on improving mental health support for women should encourage them to speak up for themselves, set boundaries, and understand and navigate their strengths and weaknesses,” she asserts. Ottoh underscores that such a policy should also foster independence and self-sufficiency. “When a woman is self-sufficient, she is better equipped to handle complex situations,” she adds.

However, the current statistics reveal that significant work remains. Ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services is not merely a matter of healthcare but a fundamental human right linked to gender equality. As Okunade highlights, legalising abortion helps women access regulated medical care, reduces complications, and combats the dangerous practice of unsafe, clandestine abortions. Denying abortion access perpetuates inequality and health disparities, particularly among marginalised communities.

Advocates assert that reproductive rights are integral to gender equality, enabling women to make informed choices about their futures, pursue education and careers, and fully participate in society. Evidence from countries with legal abortion indicates better reproductive health outcomes and lower maternal mortality rates. Thus, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives, and affordable healthcare are essential to protecting women’s rights. Ultimately, the quest for safe and legal abortion in Nigeria is about affirming women’s right to make decisions about their own bodies. As global and local movements continue to evolve, advocates believe it is crucial to uphold and advance these rights, ensuring that every woman can make choices free from stigma and coercion, with full respect for her dignity and autonomy.

• Names and specific details of some individuals have been deliberately altered to protect their privacy

June 28, 2024
‘One needs not be rich to become philanthropist’

Managing Director of Zyetechcom Integrated Services Olayinka Ajao recently built a lecture theatre for Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). The institution later awarded him the honourary degree of Doctor of Technology (D.Tech). Ajao, who will soon turn 50, talks about his professional achievements and journey from Ogbomosho to the heights. Excerpts:

HAT inspired your philanthropic gesture?

Well, I can say this started from my parents, my late mum and dad. It was not that my dad was extremely rich. But from the little he had, we knew how he gave money to all his siblings and family members. So we grew up to know that it is good to give.

So, it is in-built. We were born into giving. It doesn’t mean that we have a lot. Many people think Olayinka is a multi-billionaire and that is why he is doing this. No, I can tell you that the money we will use to build the lecture theatre for the use of LAUTECH students is not even available but I know I will do it one way or the other.

I remember that shortly after I got married in 2006, we adopted three churches that we give two bags each for their vulnerable members. Today, the six bags then have turned into 30 bags. There is no year we don’t give up to 100 bags of rice both in Lagos and Ogbomosho, among many other things we do.

So, in 2021 as a way of formalising our giving, we registered Jolade and Adeyi Foundation (JAF). Jolade is my late mother’s name while Adeyi is my late father-in-law’s name.

I am just a guy that loves people feeling comfortable around him. I don’t like people suffering. People don’t even ask me before I act. It comes naturally and I am lucky to have a wife that shares that heart of giving as well.

Every year at her birthday, the foundation selects a number of people equal to her age and give them N50,000 each. She was 43 on May 26. That means 43 people benefited from that gesture. When I see some pictures of what people do with the money, I marvel.

Read Also: Aruna, Calderano withdraw from WTT Contender Lagos

The pastor of the church in Ogbomosho where my father attends will follow up with every single individual that benefitted from the gesture and send pictures of what the women are doing with the money. It made me understand that despite the value of the naira today, N50,000 still means a lot to many people in the country.

What trajectory has your professional life taken?

I started my life as a child that loved Mathematics. I remember being called Baba Maths back in secondary school. All the gifts and prizes for the subject always came to me. So from there, I moved to Federal Government College.

In the previous school, I was like a champion in the midst of dullards. So when I moved to Federal Government College, my first result was 39th position out of 43. That was very disappointing. It was not that I failed. I didn’t fail any of the subjects. But where I would score 70 and thought I had done well, some other guys would score 80, 90. So that helped me to start reading more.

From there, I moved to read Electrical/Electronics at the Federal Polytechnic Offa. That’s my journey into the professional life now as I continued with Electrical/ Electronics at LAUTECH. I was more into IT until I got a job with MTN.

Getting into MTN, I was a technical support engineer. In the bid to challenge myself, I hustled to change my department to radio frequency, planning and optimisation, and that was when the real career began.

I was one of the team of guys that planned all the telecom sites in the North between 2001 and 2004. Any tower that was built in Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi, Plateau, anywhere in the North, I was involved in planning those sites. We determined where they should be built, the height, the direction of each of the antennas, and we activated other sites.

From MTN, because I wanted more, I moved to Motorola. Motorola is a vendor environment, not operator like MTN. Not long later, I left to join Helios Towers. That’s where I had a kind of a bit of change in career, because instead of going to radio frequency planning and the rest, I moved into infrastructure planning, because Helios Tower is a colocation company; they just house equipment for all the operators.

I was the head of network planning there. I spent five years with them before I formed my own company, which is in line with what Helios was doing. We build our own towers, though not on a scale as big as Helios.

Starting out on your own must have been challenging…

In this life, when you start some business based on partnership, there are always challenges in that you can’t know how truthful a partner may be until he is caught or until you are able to pick some stuff. I noticed my partner then was stealing money. When we wanted to build towers, he would connive with some other guys and start collecting money from the contractor. In the process, they built a couple of substandard towers and those towers eventually fell.

It was a big crisis then which was a big challenge for a young company to have their towers falling. That slowed us down a bit. So the only thing I can do for such a partner is to part my ways with them if he can’t be trustworthy.

Those who know me know I’m not the type that would get involved in any shady deal. I have never done it, and that’s why I preach to people, you don’t need to steal to make money. Even if you are in government, you just do the right things. As long as you are in your chosen field, try to excel there and be outstanding, then money will come, because as you are getting better in the field, you are creating value. You can’t create value without money coming in return. It may not be immediate, but sooner or later it will come.

On the philanthropic side, some people will tell you they want to do something, they will submit business plan but when they get a support grant, they will divert the money. That could be very disappointing when they come back to ask for more. I let them know that they can’t get it twice because I am not a politician or Father Christmas. The little one that I have is what I share and there are several people on the queue, so you may have to go back to the queue again.

It’s been very challenging doing charity work. Some people will probably when they hear that you gave assistance to someone now feel entitled that I should have given them instead. I have tried to solve that problem by creating a welfare unit so that people and requests will stop coming to me directly. I also involve some like minds that may contribute to the purse as well for the use of the foundation.

How do you balance professional commitments with your philanthropic pursuits?

People that know me understand my stand on issues. I separate my business from family members and friends because I don’t want to disappoint my clients. The houses we are building are for sale. If there’s any issue on those houses, it will be difficult for anybody to buy. It could be too hard on family members because they will start calling parents, aunties and uncles. So, it’s better if they need money and I can afford it, I will give you the money to go and sort yourself out and leave my business.

What does the recent honorary degree you were bestowed with mean to you?

LAUTECH was the school that gave me an honorary degree and I will be the second alumnus to be so recognised in the university’s 35-year history. As you know, honorary award is given to people that have made an impact in their chosen field and in the community where they live. For me, all I have been doing is living a life of impact through some of my philanthropic gestures. I never one day thought that this could become a story that would be read on a stage.

I never did all I have been doing because of an award; it never crossed my mind until I was called early this year. The Vice Chancellor and some management staff came to my office to check what we are doing and how we got to where we are.

Did you ever imagine you would come this far?

I started life from Ogbomosho in Oyo State, had my primary and secondary education there before proceeding to Federal Polytechnic, Offa. We were the pioneer set then. From there I went to LAUTECH, after which I served in Abuja and I was one of the lucky ones that joined MTN as pioneer staff. But as a young man, I was a bit restless. I spent just three years and resigned to join Motorola. I spent four years as well in Motorola and I got married.

The money I was earning was not enough and then I moved to Helios. From Helios I started a company. Though the company has been in existence, it was not active until 2013. The company grew until few years ago when we decided to sell some of the assets and I moved into real estate.

Talking about your experience at LAUTECH, how has it influenced who you are today?

I passed through the school studying Electrical/Electronics. There’s no way we can remove God’s blessing and grace from our life. Even though we struggled in school, looking back now, the only way we can thank God is by giving back to the society that made us. The job I got in MTN, I can tell you it was a course that was taught in 500 level that helped me to answer one of the questions during the interview.

Imagine leaving NYSC camp and within one week you are getting a job in MTN that was just starting out then. LAUTECH impacted so much on us and the little we can do to repay the gesture is to do whatever we can to add more value to the institution and sustain the legacy.

June 22, 2024
‘Why I gave out my kidney’

•Living donor narrates story of selfless sacrifice

•Says it’s inhuman to monetise organ donation

In a world where the demand for organ transplants far outweighs supply, the story of Evelyn Abrakson stands as a shining example of human compassion and the power of living donation. Abrakson recently shared her remarkable experience as a living kidney donor, shedding light on the realities and misconceptions surrounding this life-saving act. DELE ANOFI was there.

According to global statistics, the number of solid organ transplants performed worldwide in 2022 reached 144,302, marking an 11.3% increase from 2020. Kidney transplants accounted for the majority of these procedures.

However, the availability of deceased donors varies significantly across countries and regions, with the African region having the lowest deceased donation rates per million population.

In the United States alone, there were 39,850 organ transplants from deceased donors in 2022, with a total of 41,887 transplants, including living donor transplants. As of January 2023, over 107,000 people in the U.S. were on the national transplant waiting list, underscoring the critical need for more donors.

Abrakson’s Inspiring Story

Abrakson’s journey as a living donor began nine years ago when she made the selfless decision to donate one of her kidneys to her ailing mother.

“My motivation was my mum. She was an awesome human being, and if I were the one who was sick, my mum wouldn’t think twice about donating to me. And seeing her going through all those pains before my eyes, it was just easy to donate to her,” she said.

Since her donation, Abrakson has not encountered any significant health issues or stigma from her loved ones, saying, “No, not at all. I’ve been very okay, never fallen sick because I donated a kidney, and I’ve never experienced any life-threatening illnesses since then.

“I’ve long learnt that research has shown that living kidney donors of all ethnicities have the same life expectancies or live just as long as people who do not donate. So, I wasn’t placed on or needed to take medicine for the rest of my life just because I donated a kidney.

“And financially, my time of payment was decided between me and the transplant team. Besides, paid medicine is only needed for a short time after surgery.

Read Also: AKK gas pipeline project crucial component of Nigeria’s industrialization, economic prosperity – Minister

“Also, just like all living donors, I wasn’t given a special diet to follow after donating but a healthy balanced diet is recommended for me, just like for other donors.

“I don’t take alcohol, but I was told that donors can still drink alcohol in moderation.

“Most importantly, I was advised by the medical team to take special care of the kidneys I have left, including protecting them during contact sports.

“Even a female donor only needs to wait between six months to one year after a donation to become pregnant because the body needs time to recover from the surgery and to adjust to living with one kidney before pregnancy.

“But proper antenatal care should not be taken for granted. Experts have made us to know that.

“And I have never encountered any stigma. Instead, I would say people are really proud of my actions.”

Addressing the common misconceptions surrounding organ donation, Abrakson emphasised the importance of understanding the process and the impact it can have on someone’s life.

“People are afraid because they don’t understand. And then maybe they are afraid because they are not donating from a place of love.

“Love motivates you. When you have love, you care for humanity. You don’t think about it; you just do it.

“Except one is without a heart, there’s no way you’ll see anyone going through the pains of kidney failure that you won’t be moved to do something.

“Humanity alone is enough to motivate us into donating an organ for someone else to live, and it is so fulfilling. I mean personal fulfillment when you donate an organ, knowing that you contributed your part to giving life to someone.

“This brings me to the issue of commercialization of organ donation, which I believe borders on cruelty regardless of the global economic situation.

“My own belief is that it is inhuman to monetise organ donation, and that is why it is called donation. It should be a selfless act because you are aware of what you want to do, which is an act of humanity.

“Money should not be a reason for donating. If you put yourself in others’ shoes, you’ll see that giving hope to someone is invaluable.

“In my view, I also see it as criminal and inhuman to coerce or trick someone without his or her consent, to donate a kidney.

“It should be a free will gesture without the motivation of money but of love.”

Considering her experience, Abrakson also believed that greater government support and intervention in the field of organ transplantation has become imperative.

According to her, the government needs to step up to assist kidney disease patients who often face significant financial burdens due to the high costs of dialysis and other treatments.

With the prevailing Nigeria’s near non-existent organ transplant landscape, Abrakson’s admonition comes in handy, considering that in Nigeria, chronic kidney disease affects a significant portion of the population.

According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate during the commemoration of the 2024 Living Kidney Donor Day organised by Nisa Medical Group held in Abuja recently, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health issues are leading causes.

The lack of awareness and early intervention further compounds the problem, leading to advanced stages of the disease where more complex and costly treatments are required, he noted.

At the same event, Prof. Aliyu Abdu, a Consultant Physician/Nephrologist, Head of the Nephrology Unit at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, who is also the Vice President of the Transplant Association of Nigeria (TAN), highlighted the gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that most kidney transplants are performed in private hospitals, with only a few public hospitals actively participating.

“The number done in private hospitals is much higher than the number in the three active public hospitals,” he said, emphasising the need for greater public investment in this area.

Drawing from her experience as a living donor, Abrakson reiterated the urgent need for government intervention, saying: “To the government, I would say that they need to support kidney disease patients because they go through a lot before they even think about transplant.

“They spend a lot of money on dialysis and kidney care.

“For instance, in my own case, I had my transplant in India. For the past nine years, I do kidney tests and check-ups every six months.

“I feel no different from anyone else. Life goes on as usual. But for a struggling family, wouldn’t all of these become very burdensome?

“For a struggling family that has to contend with the high cost of managing the disease, don’t you think such a case is now dependent on God?

“First, for a struggling family, the little they have would definitely collapse if financial help is not coming from anywhere. Somebody’s job or business must definitely suffer on the account of caring for the patient, and if external assistance still refuses to come, the disease will progress, and the end would just be a matter of time for the patient who would eventually leave behind a family very prone to poverty if he or she is the breadwinner of the family.

“The consequences would be that the nation’s economy would have lost a lot of manpower hours, and the socioeconomic contribution of the deceased while poverty is deepened on that end.

“So, if the government can step up to influence assistance for kidney failure patients by bringing down the cost of diagnosis and care through in-country strengthening of our health care delivery system with adequate personnel, equipment and manufacturing capacity, it would be nice.”

Evelyn Abrakson’s story is a testament to the power of human compassion and the transformative impact of living organ donation. Her selfless act has not only saved a life but has also inspired others to consider the possibility of becoming living donors themselves.

As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges of organ transplantation, stories like Abrakson’s serve as a reminder of the profound difference that one person can make.

“By raising awareness, addressing misconceptions and advocating for greater government support, we can work towards a future where more lives are saved through the gift of life.

“The government needs to support kidney disease patients financially and provide better healthcare facilities.

“To potential donors, I say don’t be afraid. Donating a kidney is not something to fear; it’s a way of saving a life.”

June 22, 2024
Governor Alia’s agricultural revolution in Benue

•Inaugurates 33 new tractors

By Donald Kumun

Throughout the electioneering period and even up to the period in which he was sworn into office, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has identified agriculture as one of the most viable sectors that the state needs to be proud of.

This sector has, therefore, remained indelible in the heart of the governor; prompting its transformation from peasant farming to a vibrant business. He has also called for multi-faceted efforts. It is pleasing to hear the governor stress that “we don’t have oil but we have the soil.”

This, therefore, underscores the greater importance the governor attached to the task of reviving the state’s agricultural sector.

On several occasions, the governor lamented that despite the popularity of the appellation of being the Food Basket of the Nation, Benue farmers could not still guarantee food security. Hence, they had no wherewithal to produce optimally.

Consequently, it dawned on him to take very urgent and responsible steps towards revolutionising the sector in a manner that it becomes a sector that generates wealth for the state and lift the population out of poverty.

Recall that, while unveiling his manifesto Christened “Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue,” Governor Alia said he would take deliberate steps to structure the manifesto around seven priority pillars on which he will develop the state. In the manifesto, agriculture featured prominently.

“We all, as stakeholders, have a responsibility to ensure that the state does not only exist but the state lives to its fullness. For now, we are no near to that and that is why we had to do everything it takes to bring better prospects and to renew the good of our great state. Benue is too rich to be poor and to do anything less is not appreciating what God has made of us,” he said.

He explained that the document is structured around seven priority pillars with the acronym “SACHIIP” which stands for “Security of lives and property, Agriculture and rural development, Commerce and Industry, Human capital and social development, Infrastructure and Environment, Information and Communication Technology, (ICT) and Political and Economic governance.”

Read Also: Alia: one year of Benuegovernor of masses

Bearing in mind that the hoe and cutlass approach through which agriculture is practised is no longer tenable in the 21st Century, the governor said he would encourage mechanised agricultural practices in the state through the resuscitation of state agricultural agencies such as Agricultural Development Company, (ADC), Benue Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BENARDA) and Benue Tractor Hiring Agency (BENTHA), among others.

He has made agriculture a top priority in Benue State, an action aimed at revolutionising the sector and making it a key driver of the state’s economy. The government has implemented various agricultural policies, programmes and initiatives to support farmers and improve productivity in the sector. Some of the initiatives implemented by the government include the provision of inputs and subsidies to farmers. Under this, the government would always buy and distribute fertilisers at subsidised rates, improved seeds, and other inputs to farmers to boost crop yields and quality.

Again, the governor mapped up innovative strategies towards empowering women and youth in agriculture. Under this, targeted beneficiaries are to be mopped up and dedicated training programmes, financial support, and other forms of assistance will be extended to them. Already, the benefits of these initiatives are springing up.

This is because Benue State, like many of the states in Nigeria, shares in some of the numerous challenges, including but not limited to, high poverty rates, a fragile environment, conflicts, degradation o f natural resources, low agricultural productivity, climate-related risks, limited access to modern technology and weak institutional capacity, which calls for concerted efforts across various sectors, to address the multifaceted challenges.

During the launch of the Implementation Support Mission of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), specifically tailored to bolster institutions and implement activities that mitigate the environmental impacts of climate change, including supporting efforts aimed at landscape management, improving community livelihoods and resilience, and strengthening institutional frameworks, Governor Alia, reaffirmed his commitment to providing the necessary support for the ACReSAL project to thrive. He said his ambition is to rejuvenate the agricultural sector, elevating Benue to unprecedented heights in food production.

At the event, visitors from the World Bank team, led by Dr. Joy Agene, Task Team Lead (TTL) and the Federal Project Management Team, headed by Mr. Abdulhamid Umar, State Project Coordinators from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and the 19 ACReSAL states, whose relentless efforts have been pivotal in driving the success of the ACReSAL project, in their respective states, also graced the occasion, to support the passion of the Governor towards revolutionising agriculture.

The current joint initiatives between the State Government and the ACReSAL Project, according to the governor include Establishing fully functional plant nurseries and greenhouses in Otukpo, Makurdi and Vandeikya local government areas, Setting up an Agroforestry Centre for Research at Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, Gboko and the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Undertaking reforestation and afforestation of degraded forest reserves, and establishing agroforestry models and food forests in several LGAs including Otukpo, Ohimini, Ogbadibo, Oju, Gboko, Vandeikya, Konshisha, and Gwer East local government areas, respectively. Others are introducing drought-resistant Tenera palm and coconut (Cocos nucifera) in degraded farmlands across the state, implementing restoration interventions in riparian areas around river Benue to mitigate perennial flooding, designing stormwater and gully erosion control structures in various local government areas, including Ogbadibo, Gboko, Vandeikya, Makurdi and Otukpo, councils, provision of water harvesting facilities for 1,700 households across the Benue’s three senatorial districts.

High-priority ACReSAL Project activities in the state also encompass rehabilitation of dilapidated dams such as Adoka-Icho Community Dam in Otukpo and Naka Dam in Gwer West local government areas, provision of drilling trucks with rigs and backup vehicles for installing solar-powered boreholes to meet community water needs, procurement of specialised swamp buggy vehicles for diverse environmental management activities, renovation and upgrading of agricultural produce warehouses/agro hubs across all 23 local government areas, distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmer groups in Benue’s senatorial districts, among others.

Governor Alia further revealed that the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) Scheme, which was presented to farmer groups across the state, at the occasion, is an investment fund rather than a grant. The sum of $250,000 in naira value of N380 million, was distributed to the farmer groups, designed to revitalise agricultural practices among them and households, to undertake climate-smart agricultural activities in the state, under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) scheme of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) scheme. The selection process was done transparently, to ensure only the most deserving beneficiaries received the funds, which will circulate within communities as repayments are made.

The governor, who has already paid the sum of N1 million as a counterpart fund for the ACReSAL programme, urged all beneficiaries to exercise diligence and prudence in managing the resources.

Furthermore, the food shortages experienced across the country and globally, which have had widespread repercussions, driving some individuals towards crime and other vices in the State, is another major concern for the governor to tackle, he said, the provision of tractors by his administration, to promote farming activities, would spur the youths’ interests in the sector, to rekindle them, as the criminal tendencies hitherto in them, that formed a barrier for their productivity, are completely curbed. 33 new tractors were also inaugurated at the Implementation Support Mission of the ACReSAL, and over 33,000 households are expected to benefit from it annually with the anticipation of the governor that the machines will be well-maintained and used for their intended purposes to maximise their impact.

Those indigenous to Benue, through the governor, appeal to the World Bank through ACReSAL, to facilitate the construction of access roads linking farmers to markets, to reduce post-harvest losses, connect the rural farmers to buyers, and expedite the delivery of goods and services across the state.

Governor Alia thanked ACReSAL for their continued support to the state, and reaffirmed his commitment to support ACReSAL to have a friendlier environment to work more effectively, and announced that the state government would create an agency for ACReSAL, for sustainability.

Governor Alia presented cheques of the $250,000, distributed to the farmer groups at the occasion, and tasked them to make judicious use of the money, for effective implementation of the aims and objectives of the support, saying that: “Benue is the food basket of the nation. So, we need everyone with the thinking and with the actions that can help us to move from grace to grace in terms of food and food security, and basic state security.”

The Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank Nigeria Office, who also doubles as the Task Team Leader for the ACReSAL project, Dr. Joy Iganya Ajene said the team was in the state to assess, support and look at the challenges of the programme, but discovered that no challenges were found, and attributed the development to an indication that the programme has so far recorded tremendous success in the state.

She commended the governor and the ACReSAL team for playing their respective roles, saying that Benue State stands to gain more from the programme if the government continues to strengthen the needed institutions to keep gaining more benefits.

The ACReSAL programme seeks to address the challenges of land degradation and climate change in Northern Nigeria on a multi-dimensional scale, increase agricultural production, reduce poverty and improve the standard of living with financing from the World Bank, even as the project became effective in June 2022 and will end in March 2028, covering 19 Northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, with Governor Alia providing an environment conducive to the team to work, and supporting the community farmers in the State, as a deliberate mandate of the component “B” of the ACReSAL project, to enhance the resilience of communities, to improve their livelihoods.

Through these initiatives and achievements, the governor is working assiduously to make Benue State a leading player in the agricultural industry in Nigeria.”

•Kumun is an Aide to the Governor on Print Media

June 17, 2024
National or federal government workers’ minimum wage?

Nigeria is grappling with a simmering standoff over the minimum wage. On one side stands a united front: the federal government, state and local governments, and the organized private sector (OPS). On the other, the labour unions, a formidable force historically known for their unwavering pursuit of better working conditions for Nigerian workers. Assistant Editor Nduka Chiejina reports.

The crux of the issue lies in the question, what is a fair and sustainable minimum wage for Nigeria in 2024? This seemingly simple question has exposed a huge gap between the demands of labour unions and the economic realities presented by the government and private sector.

Labour unions across the nation have been pushing for a significant increase in the current minimum wage of N30,000, arguing that it is no longer sufficient to meet the rising cost of living. Inflation in Nigeria has been steadily climbing, reaching a 17-year high of 33.69% in April 2024. This translates to the erosion of purchasing power, making basic necessities like food, housing, and transportation increasingly difficult to afford for many Nigerians, particularly those on minimum wage.

Unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have called for an increase to as high as N615,000. While this figure has been revised downward during negotiations, the unions remain adamant that a substantial increase is essential to ensure a decent standard of living for Nigerian workers.

The government and OPS paint a different picture. They acknowledge the rising cost of living but argue that a sharp increase in the minimum wage would be economically unsustainable. Their concerns include: businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), may be forced to lay off workers to offset increased labor costs. This could exacerbate unemployment, a major challenge in Nigeria.

A significant wage increase could further fuel inflation, creating a vicious cycle where rising wages are quickly eroded by increasing prices. The federal government, already grappling with budgetary constraints, would face additional pressure to fund its own employees if the minimum wage is raised.

Negotiations between labour unions and the government, facilitated by a tripartite committee, have been ongoing for months. However, significant hurdles remain. The government and OPS have proposed a more modest increase in the range of N62,000 which labour unions have rejected as insufficient. The recent breakdown in talks raises the specter of potential industrial action, a scenario that can cripple the Nigerian economy.

There is a significant gap between what the unions are asking for and what the government and private sector are proposing. Everyone seems to agree that the current minimum wage needs to be raised to better reflect the cost of living in Nigeria. Government and the Private Sector are offering N62,000 which they believe is a more realistic increase that they can afford. The NLC and TUC are asking for much more, over N100,000, which they argue is necessary for workers to make ends meet.

The government and some states are worried that a large increase would be too expensive. They fear they might not have enough funds left for other important areas like infrastructure or social programmes. Businesses, especially small and medium ones, might struggle to afford a significant hike in wages. This could lead to job cuts or even closures.

Both sides may need to budge on their initial demands to reach a mutually agreeable figure. The minimum wage could be increased gradually over a set period.

Minimum Wage Crisis Impact on Different Sectors

Many Nigerian states struggle with limited fiscal capacity, primarily due to low internally generated revenue (IGR) and over-reliance on federal allocations. Implementing a higher national minimum wage can strain their budgets, potentially leading to delayed salary payments or reductions in workforce.

The economic capabilities of Nigerian states vary significantly. Wealthier states like Lagos and Rivers may afford higher wages, while poorer states, especially in the North, might find it challenging. This disparity can exacerbate regional inequalities. To meet new wage demands, states may need to reallocate budgets, possibly cutting funding from other critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Local governments, similar to states, have limited revenue sources. Their dependency on state and federal allocations means any increase in the minimum wage without corresponding increases in allocations can lead to severe financial strain. Local governments are closest to the people and provide essential services. Financial strain can reduce their ability to deliver services effectively, impacting community development.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) often operate on thin profit margins. Increased labor costs can reduce profitability, making it difficult to sustain operations. To cope with higher wage bills, businesses might increase the prices of goods and services, contributing to inflation. Higher wages might lead to reduced hiring or even layoffs, as businesses attempt to manage increased costs. This can increase unemployment and reduce overall economic activity. Smaller businesses might struggle to comply with new wage laws, leading to potential legal issues and fines, or they may continue paying lower wages unofficially.

Affordability and Ability to Pay

Nigeria is grappling with high inflation rates that are eroding the purchasing power of its citizens. While the proposal for a higher minimum wage aims to boost workers’ income, experts warn that if not managed carefully, it could exacerbate inflationary pressures.

The country’s economic growth has been sluggish, impacting the ability of both the public and private sectors to afford increased wages. As an oil-dependent economy, Nigeria’s revenue streams are highly vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations, adding another layer of complexity to the wage debate.

Public debt levels are already high, limiting the government’s capacity to raise wages without worsening fiscal deficits. To achieve sustainable wage increases, diversifying revenue sources is essential. Improving tax collection and boosting non-oil sectors are seen as critical steps, but these measures require time to take effect.

There are also significant differences in labor productivity across various sectors. High-productivity industries like technology may find it easier to absorb higher wage costs, whereas labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture could struggle with the financial burden.

The path to a higher minimum wage in Nigeria is filled with economic challenges that need careful management to avoid further destabilizing the economy.

Considerations for Effective Wage Policy

As Nigeria debates the implementation of a higher minimum wage, experts like Dr. Wahab Balogun, Managing Director and CEO of Ambosit Capital Managers proposes a phased approach to help both public and private sectors adjust without immediate financial strain. “Gradually increasing wages allows for smoother budget adjustments and reduces the risk of economic disruption” he said.

To support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in coping with increased labor costs, “the government should consider temporary subsidies. Additionally, offering tax breaks or incentives to businesses that comply with wage regulations could encourage adherence while easing financial pressures” he stated.

Investing in skill development and training programmes is seen as a crucial step to enhance worker productivity, making higher wages more justifiable and boosting economic output. Encouraging businesses to adopt technology can further improve efficiency and help them manage wage increases effectively.

Dr. Balogun noted that “strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure compliance with minimum wage laws is essential. This includes robust monitoring systems and penalties for non-compliance. Educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities regarding the minimum wage can also promote adherence and reduce exploitation”.

These strategies aim to balance the need for higher wages with the economic realities facing Nigerian businesses and workers, fostering a more sustainable and equitable economic environment.

Determining whether states, local governments, and private sector employers in Nigeria can afford to pay a higher national minimum wage requires taking a look at their financial capabilities and economic contexts.

Nigerian states heavily rely on federation allocations, which are often unpredictable and influenced by fluctuating oil prices. This reliance creates financial instability for states. While some states like Lagos have robust IGR due to diversified economies, many others, particularly in the North, struggle with low IGR. This disparity impacts their ability to afford wage increases. Many states are burdened with high levels of debt, which limit their fiscal space for additional expenditures like higher wages. Servicing debt consumes a significant portion of their budgets.

States have to balance wage payments with other critical expenditures such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Limited resources often mean that increasing wages would require cutting funding from these essential services.

States with higher IGR and more diversified economies (e.g., Lagos, Rivers etc) are better positioned to afford higher wages, while states with low IGR and high dependency on federation allocations will struggle more to meet wage demands without compromising other essential services.

Local governments have even fewer revenue sources compared to states and are largely dependent on state and federal transfers. Inefficient revenue collection mechanisms further limit their financial capacity, and local governments need to manage limited funds while providing essential community services. Increasing wages can severely impact their ability to deliver these services effectively.

Local governments in urban areas might have slightly better revenue streams due to higher economic activity, but rural local governments, which dominate the landscape, will face significant challenges in affording higher wages.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises operate on thin margins, making it difficult to absorb increased labour costs without affecting profitability. Limited access to affordable finance restricts the ability of these businesses to invest in productivity improvements that could offset wage increases.

Also, businesses in high-productivity sectors (e.g., technology, finance) might manage wage increases better than those in low-productivity sectors (e.g., agriculture, retail). A significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce is in the informal sector, where enforcement of minimum wage laws is challenging. This sector might continue paying below minimum wage, complicating the overall impact assessment.

Larger corporations with higher revenue streams and access to capital markets can better afford higher wages compared to SMEs and MSMEs, which will struggle more significantly. In addition, businesses in economically advanced regions like Lagos are more likely to cope with wage increases than those in less developed regions.

The ability of states and local governments to afford higher wages is highly variable. Wealthier states and urban local governments may manage, while poorer states and rural local governments will struggle significantly without increased federal support or significant economic reforms.

The private sector’s ability to afford higher wages varies greatly by business size, sector, and location. Larger, more productive businesses in economically vibrant regions can manage better, while smaller businesses and those in economically weaker regions will find it challenging.

Labour’s Focus on the Federal Government

In Nigeria, the focus of labour unions on negotiating with the federal government stems from several key reasons. Firstly, the federal government holds the authority to set national policies, making its decisions highly visible and influential across the country. This centrality in policymaking means that agreements reached with the federal government often set a precedent for other sectors to follow.

Federal government workers also wield significant influence due to their organization through unions. This visibility and organized voice can overshadow the concerns of workers in state governments, local governments, and the private sector, who may not be as well-organized or represented in negotiations.

Moreover, the federal government’s compliance with the national minimum wage serves as a symbolic leadership example. When the federal government upholds a high standard for wages, it pressures state governments and private employers alike to comply, thereby setting a benchmark for fair wages nationwide.

Labour advocates for a comprehensive approach to minimum wage negotiations that involves multiple levels of engagement and consideration.

Negotiations should be inclusive, involving representatives not only from federal bodies but also from state governments, local governments, and the private sector. This inclusivity ensures that all perspectives are considered, leading to more realistic and sustainable wage policies that reflect the diverse economic realities across Nigeria.

Economic assessments play a crucial role in informing these negotiations. Detailed evaluations of different regions and sectors help determine minimum wage rates that are fair and feasible. By taking regional variations in the cost of living and economic conditions into account, policymakers can establish differentiated wage structures. For instance, regions with higher living costs may require a higher minimum wage, while less affluent areas could sustain lower rates.

Ensuring compliance with minimum wage laws involves providing adequate support mechanisms.

Financial support such as subsidies and grants can assist states and local governments in meeting minimum wage requirements without compromising essential services. Similarly, offering incentives like tax breaks or low-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) helps them adjust to higher wage costs, reducing the risk of layoffs or business closures.

Capacity building is also essential. States and local governments can enhance their revenue generation capabilities through improved tax collection and diversification of income sources. This not only supports higher wage payments but also strengthens overall economic resilience.

Encouraging productivity improvements and technological advancements in the private sector further aids businesses in managing increased wage costs effectively. By investing in skills development and training programs, workers become more productive, justifying higher wages while boosting economic output.

Read Also: Minimum wage: N250,000 demand not sacrosanct, says TUC

The ongoing debate over the minimum wage in Nigeria underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses workers’ needs while safeguarding economic stability. Labour’s focus on the federal government reflects its pivotal role in setting national wage policies and influencing broader economic practices.

By adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes inclusive negotiations, differentiated wage structures, and robust support mechanisms, Nigeria can navigate the complexities of wage policy with greater resilience. This approach not only promotes fair wages across sectors but also fosters sustainable economic growth that benefits workers, businesses, and the overall national economy.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are exerting pressure on the government to agree on a minimum wage increase that they argue is necessary to improve the living standards of workers. However, experts warn that if this push results in an unrealistic and unsustainable wage hike, the ramifications for the economy could be profound, affecting inflationary trends, social stability, and employment rates.

The implementation of a nationwide minimum wage increase could exacerbate existing regional disparities within Nigeria. States with weaker economies may struggle more to meet higher wage mandates, potentially widening the economic gap between regions. In contrast, wealthier regions might find compliance more manageable, further accentuating disparities across the country.

Rising unemployment coupled with an increased cost of living, without corresponding improvements in economic opportunities, could fuel social unrest. Discontent among the unemployed and those facing higher living costs may escalate into protests and strikes, posing challenges to social stability and governmental authority.

Persistently high inflation and elevated unemployment rates resulting from an unsustainable minimum wage increase could hinder long-term economic growth. Businesses, especially smaller enterprises with limited financial reserves, may face difficulties absorbing higher labor costs. This scenario could lead to reduced investment in new ventures and expansions, dampening overall economic activity.

Governments, both at the federal and state levels, may encounter increased fiscal strain as they contend with higher wage bills and potentially lower tax revenues from businesses grappling with increased operational costs. This fiscal pressure could constrain public spending on critical infrastructure projects and social welfare programs, further impacting economic development.

The ongoing debate surrounding the minimum wage in Nigeria underscores the delicate balance between improving workers’ livelihoods and safeguarding economic stability. While a higher minimum wage can enhance income levels and alleviate poverty for many, it must be implemented cautiously to avoid unintended consequences.

By adopting a measured approach that considers regional economic disparities, supports for small and medium-sized enterprises, and strategies to enhance productivity, Nigeria can navigate the complexities of wage policy with greater resilience. This approach not only promotes social justice but also supports sustainable economic growth that benefits all sectors of society.

As discussions continue between labour representatives and government officials, finding common ground on a minimum wage increase that is both fair and economically viable remains pivotal for Nigeria’s future prosperity and social harmony.

FAAC Disbursements and the Minimum Wage Debate

As Nigeria grapples with the contentious issue of minimum wage adjustments, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements have emerged as a critical factor shaping the economic feasibility and fiscal implications of potential wage increases across federal, state, and local governments.

Established by the Nigerian Constitution, the FAAC is responsible for distributing revenue generated by the federal government among the three tiers of government — federal, state, and local. The revenue primarily originates from crude oil sales, import duties, excise duties, and Value Added Tax (VAT), highlighting its significance in funding governance and developmental projects nationwide.

In 2023, the FAAC disbursed a total of N3,877,197,582,680.42 to the federating units, reflecting the critical role it plays in sustaining public sector operations and service delivery.

The current debate over minimum wage adjustments underscores the financial constraints and opportunities presented by FAAC disbursements: Nigeria’s total revenue for 2022 amounted to N5,719,309,028,512.71, with recurrent expenditures absorbing N4,608,706,106,985.52. This leaves a net revenue of N1,110,602,921,527.19, illustrating the limited fiscal space for additional financial commitments such as increased minimum wages. The high proportion of recurrent expenditure underscores the challenge of accommodating higher wage bills without compromising other critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

The impact of FAAC disbursements varies across states, influencing their fiscal capacity and readiness to implement minimum wage increases. Many states heavily rely on FAAC allocations to meet their financial obligations, given inadequate Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Variations in oil prices and production levels contribute to revenue volatility, impacting states’ financial stability. States with higher FAAC allocations may have greater flexibility to consider wage adjustments, albeit with careful consideration of their long-term fiscal sustainability. Conversely, states with lower allocations face heightened challenges in meeting increased wage demands.

Economic Consequences and Mitigation Strategies

As Nigeria grapples with the contentious debate over minimum wage adjustments, experts and stakeholders are emphasizing strategic approaches to reduce the potential economic consequences. The implications extend beyond the federal level to include states, local governments, and private sector employers, all navigating the delicate balance between enhancing workers’ livelihoods and sustaining economic stability.

One of the primary concerns surrounding minimum wage hikes is the potential for inflationary pressures. Higher wage bills can trigger cost-push inflation as businesses, particularly in sectors with thin profit margins, adjust by raising prices. To prevent this, economic policies and productivity enhancements are crucial. Effective policies could include targeted subsidies to buffer price increases or measures to boost production efficiencies, thereby moderating inflationary impacts.

The prospect of layoffs looms large if wage increases outpace productivity gains or revenue growth, especially in sectors vulnerable to cost escalations. Balancing wage hikes with job creation initiatives becomes necessary to safeguard employment levels and mitigate adverse economic effects. Government-backed programmes aimed at stimulating job growth in key sectors can help alleviate these concerns and foster a more resilient labor market environment.

Addressing the minimum wage conundrum necessitates a balanced approach that considers both immediate needs and long-term fiscal sustainability. Implementing wage increases gradually allows for smoother adjustments across sectors. This approach minimizes economic disruptions and inflation shocks, giving stakeholders time to adapt to new wage norms effectively.

Enhanced Revenue Generation**: Boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through improved tax compliance and economic diversification is critical. This strategy reduces states’ and local governments’ dependency on federal allocations, enhancing their financial resilience and capacity to sustain higher wage levels.

Recommendations for Affordability

States, local governments, and businesses should consider phasing in wage increases to manage financial implications without causing severe strain on budgets. Diversifying economies and improving revenue collection mechanisms at the state and local levels can lessen dependence on federal allocations, thereby creating more fiscal space for wage adjustments.

Providing subsidies or tax incentives to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can assist them in managing increased labor costs, thereby preserving jobs and economic stability. Enhancing efficiency in public spending and revenue collection processes can generate additional resources to meet wage demands sustainably. Broad-based economic reforms aimed at increasing productivity, reducing reliance on volatile sectors like oil, and creating a conducive business environment are essential. These reforms can enhance overall economic resilience and capacity to afford higher wages over the long term.

Conclusion

The debate over minimum wage adjustments in Nigeria underscores the complexity of balancing social welfare with economic sustainability. By adopting strategic measures such as phased implementation, enhanced revenue generation, and targeted support for businesses, Nigeria can navigate this critical juncture with resilience. Ensuring that wage policies align with broader economic goals and are supported by robust fiscal strategies will be pivotal in promoting inclusive growth and safeguarding the welfare of its workforce.

As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue and policy formulation, the focus remains on finding equitable solutions that promote economic stability while enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

June 16, 2024
How Nigeria can raise immunisation bar, by vaccine expert

Nigeria is still playing catch-up with the rest of the world in its immunization programme, says Christiana Fashola, a global vaccine expert with extensive experience in designing and implementing effective vaccine delivery strategies across Africa, Central Asia and Latin America. Fashola, who has provided technical support to governments, public agencies and National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) to evaluate evidence, guide vaccine recommendations, and design interventions to improve health outcomes and build resilient health systems, outlines several strategies to bridge the gaps hindering an effective immunization programme and achieve the nation’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) 2030 target. She spoke with DELE ANOFI.

Is the current immunization approach sufficient to cover the entire country, including hard-to-reach and underserved areas, considering the precarious security situation and the fast-approaching 2030 Universal Health Coverage target?

The current immunization strategy in Nigeria, which relies heavily on scheduled immunization days, mass vaccination campaigns, outreach programmes and immunization intensification activities, is likely insufficient to achieve rapid and comprehensive coverage across the entire country. The precarious security situation further complicates these efforts. To accelerate progress and meet the 2030 Universal Health Coverage target, exploring and implementing alternative strategies is essential.

One of the key challenges in healthcare is the insufficiency of Human Resources for Health (HRH), which has impacted the immunization workforce. An alternative approach that could be explored by the government is the establishment of a greater healthcare delivery workforce by leveraging the full potential of community pharmacies and pharmacists in routine immunization activities.

This could potentially increase immunization coverage and improve the life-course approach to vaccination, including adult vaccination. While an intersectoral approach has been utilised for the introduction of some vaccines such as the COVID-19 and HPV vaccines, strong consideration should be given to including pharmacies and pharmacists, as they have a crucial role to play in expanding immunization access and coverage for millions of Nigerians.

Additionally, Nigeria accounts for 20% of all out-of-school children in sub-Saharan Africa, with nearly 20 million out-of-school children. Utilization of community pharmacies and pharmacists will provide a solid platform to reach out-of-school adolescent girls in various regions. A survey carried out by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2016 revealed that community pharmacies in a sample of 45 countries and territories, representing over 940 million people, including Nigeria, can potentially offer increased access to vaccination services with safe and highly accessible vaccination centres. Hence, there is a compelling need for the Nigerian government to strongly consider involving community pharmacies and pharmacists in the conduct of routine immunization services. This will contribute to the development and increased access to health services, enhancing the implementation of immunization services, especially adult vaccination, thereby improving the health system and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.

Having successfully immunised approximately five million adolescents in 15 states during the first phase of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine programme, do you think we have done enough addressing resistance to vaccinations even among people that were supposedly educated enough to appreciate the development? If not, what do you think is the way forward?

The successful roll-out of HPV vaccine in 15 states during the first phase of the HPV vaccine programme is a significant achievement. This success indicates that the programme has effectively addressed some aspects of resistance to vaccinations. However, challenges such as misinformation and misconceptions, cultural beliefs, and mistrust in the healthcare system still persist, even among educated populations.

By implementing targeted communication strategies, including grassroots advocacy efforts and risk communications tailored to various target groups, as well as engaging educational institutions, and continuously monitoring and evaluation of implemented strategies, Nigeria can further reduce resistance to the HPV vaccine and enhance overall immunization coverage.

Other advocacy efforts to consider include the continued organisation of intergenerational dialogues. These dialogues provide opportunities for adolescents within the target age group, parents/caregivers, and community leaders to discuss their fears and concerns regarding the vaccine, offering a platform to address these challenges.

Read Also: Naira Marley advises fans on power of focus

Intergenerational dialogues bring together community members of various age groups to exchange views and opinions in an open and safe environment. The aim is to create awareness about the benefits of the vaccine, and change the community’s negative perceptions, attitudes, myths and beliefs.

Do you have any concerns or optimism about the upcoming second phase of the HPV vaccination programme, given that the first phase achieved an 80% success rate?

Given that Nigeria contributes 12,075 new cases of cervical cancer globally every year, which makes cervical cancer the second leading cause of female cancer deaths in Nigeria, the successful first phase of the HPV vaccine roll-out provides a solid foundation for optimism in reducing this burden. By leveraging the lessons learned and best practices from the first phase, addressing resource and logistical challenges, and implementing targeted communication and outreach strategies, Nigeria can achieve high coverage in the ongoing second phase of the vaccine roll-out. The success of the first phase will likely increase awareness and trust in the HPV vaccine among the population in other states, further enhancing the programme’s overall effectiveness

With the global acknowledgement of Nigeria’s efforts in its immunization programme, is there any need for her to change her winning formula?

To improve immunization coverage in Nigeria, increased financing and political commitment at both national and sub-national levels are crucial. To provide context, Nigeria is among the 73 Gavi-implementing nations that have received support for delivering immunization-related services, including the introduction of new vaccines. The country began transitioning to self-financing after exceeding Gavi’s support threshold from 2016 to 2018. Progress towards self-financing vaccines by the Nigerian government has been made through the development of the Nigeria Strategy for Immunization and PHC System Strengthening (NSIPSS), which aims to boost investment in immunization and primary healthcare. This effort is supported by an Accountability Framework (AF) to track commitments. Additionally, domestic vaccine financing has increased by 34.2% rise from 2019 to 2023, with high-level discussions to make vaccine financing a statutory budget item to avoid bureaucratic delays.

Since 2019, the government has created a budget line for vaccine financing and continues to make annual incremental provisions. Future plans include making vaccine financing a first-line charge item in the national budget, ensuring it is a statutory allocation from consolidated revenue.

Despite the progress made in immunization financing, financial stability for sustaining and expanding immunization efforts remains uncertain due to fiscal constraints and the imminent need to introduce new vaccines such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Varicella Zoster Vaccines.

To sustain and enhance the gains in immunization and the introduction of newer vaccines, the Nigerian government needs timely stakeholder engagement; accurate vaccine forecasting using advanced predictive modeling techniques to reduce the discrepancies between projected and actual vaccine needs; robust advocacy efforts; sustainable financing, particularly at sub-national levels; and continuous accountability tracking to assess progress and identify areas needing improvement.

By focusing on these areas, Nigeria can better ensure the sustainability of its immunization programmes and the successful introduction of new vaccines, thereby protecting more of its population against preventable diseases.

June 15, 2024
Electricity Act: Will states walk the implementation talk?

With its decentralised state-level approach to finding solutions to Nigeria’s electricity supply woes, the Electricity Act 2023 holds promise of improving energy access nationwide and hopefully, cutting the country’s humongous economic losses to unreliable electricity supply estimated at $28 billion annually. Experts, however, say that implementing the Act by states will not be a stroll in the park; it will come with significant costs, from engaging legal and commercial advisors to investing in technology, human resources, and establishing state-level structures. Will state governments pluck the political will to seize the bountiful opportunities offered by the Act by conscientiously implementing it? Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA asks.

It is not for nothing that industry experts and stakeholders in diverse sectors hail the Electricity Act 2023 as another refreshing chapter in Nigeria’s long pursuit of improved electricity supply. For them, the Act’s decentralised state-level approach to finding potential solutions to Nigeria’s electricity supply woes is the elixir for the beleaguered Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The Electricity Act 2023 consolidates all the laws governing the NESI and establishes a policy framework that grants legislative autonomy to the federating states on matters relating to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in their respective jurisdictions. The Act was, therefore, widely acknowledged as a turning point, a watershed moment, and a chance to break free from past struggles in the power sector.

Simply put, the Electricity Act 2023 transferred electricity from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List. However, while the Act restored state governments’ authority in the power sector to pre-1999 levels, potentially clearing the coast for serious states to attract investments in improved power infrastructure, the adoption and implementation of the Act by states and private investors will not be tea party.

Experts say that seizing the huge opportunities offered by the Act goes beyond the deluge of positive reception of the Act by state governments and merely passing laws in response to the legislation. Implementing the Act, they noted, will incur significant costs to the newly empowered sub-nationals, from engaging legal and commercial advisors to investing in technology, and human resources, and establishing state-level structures, for instance.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the Electricity Act 2023 (“The Act”) on June 8, 2023, repealing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005. This placed a robust, comprehensive legal and institutional policy framework that promises to turn around the fortunes of the troubled power sector.

The new Act, which came after 18 years without amendments to the previous legislation, consolidates and updates several specific laws relating to the NESI and empowers state governments to enact laws for the generation, distribution, and transmission of electricity within their jurisdictions, including areas previously covered by the national grid.

Can states rise to the occasion?

However, the capacity of states to leverage the Act to address the challenges holding the NESI down and unlock new potential has come under scrutiny, with experts expressing fears that the envisaged turnaround in the struggling power sector, driven by states’ participation, will not manifest unless states muster the political will to commit substantial investments into the sector.

The Commissioner of Legal, Licensing and Compliance, NERC, Dafe C. Akpeneye, brought the reality of the huge investment required by states to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Act nearer home when he said: “A lack of investment, not flawed laws, hinders Nigeria’s power sector. People seldom understand the quantum of investment that is required.”

The occasion was the 14th edition of PwC Nigeria’s Annual Power and Utilities Roundtable, themed ‘The Electricity Act 2023: Powering Nigeria,’ where Akpeneye, as one of the panellists, said, for instance, that between $500, 000 and $1.5 million is needed to bring one megawatt of generation capacity to the grid.

“To build one kilometre of 330 kV line, you need about $1 million and for a kilometre of 132 kV line, about $400, 000,” the NERC Commissioner said, adding that given the limited expertise including legal and economic in the power sector value chain, there’s also a need to address issues of capacity building.

Indeed, under the new decentralised electricity market, state governments must invest in building the technical and managerial capacity of their officials and employees involved in the electricity sector. This can be achieved through training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Experts also say that enhancing technical expertise, project management skills, and regulatory knowledge will strengthen the state’s ability to effectively participate in the sector. “The implementation of the Act by states requires investment in building local capacity through targeted education and institutions,” Akpeneye emphasised.

The NERC Commissioner, while also stating that the electricity sector requires a dedicated funding institution, said that given the sector’s reliance on long-term investments, like infrastructure development, a dedicated power bank, similar to India’s, would provide the patient capital needed for sustained progress.

According to Partner, Energy, Utilities & Resources, PwC Nigeria, Bimbola Banjo, the roundtable provided industry leaders, executives, and stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss the Electricity Act 2023, recommend solutions and shape the future of the electric power industry.

Banjo, in the report on proceedings and outcomes of the roundtable, which was made available to The Nation, said it was important that state governments exercise caution and carefully assess their preparedness for implementation of the Act. “Adopting the Act will incur significant costs…,” he said.

He, however, pointed out that to minimise these costs and maximise the potential benefits of the Act, “States should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of their electricity market and network infrastructure, accompanied by detailed technical and commercial feasibility studies.”

Banjo said this rigorous assessment should cover key aspects like regulatory implications, financial resources, and technical capabilities, to ensure states are adequately prepared to implement the Electricity Act 2023 effectively and reap its full rewards.

He also said to attract long-term investment to the electricity sector, “We need to continue fostering a stable and market-driven environment. This includes both renewable energy integration and utilisation of gas for base load generation.”

Banjo said by implementing the nation’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which is a planning tool used to identify a utility’s long-term energy resource strategy, states can achieve this balance and build a sustainable, reliable power sector for the future.

Read Also: Report: Electricity Act 2023 could reduce $28b yearly losses

The Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric Plc, Mrs Folake Soetan, also said significant investment is crucial for adequate power supply. She, however, stressed the need for collaborations between state governments to create a business-friendly environment for investors.

“This requires a robust legal framework, but more importantly, a commercial ecosystem that attracts investment and allows for healthy returns,” Soetan, who was also a panellist at the PwC roundtable, added.

While noting that Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) struggle with energy theft, high cost of operation, and difficulty with recovering revenue and attracting funds for infrastructure upgrades, the Ikeja Electric boss said collaborations are required to tackle these challenges.

“States and DisCos working together to address energy theft will significantly reduce losses and improve DisCos’ performance on collections,” Soetan emphasised. She also said while it is common knowledge that customers are willing to pay for reliable service, establishing an environment where investors can also directly recover returns from customers is vital.

Soetan noted that some banks even prefer this approach to direct investments in DisCos. She, however, said the question is whether there is political will to implement these solutions. “Cracking down on energy theft with stricter penalties is essential. Deterrence improves operational efficiency, attracts funding, and benefits everyone,” she said.

Section 209-224 of the Act talks about the power theft law in detail, with experts in power sector governance noting that this is an area where they expect states to establish power theft agencies. According to them, once this is done, investors’ confidence in investing in the sector will grow.

The Director-General of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajaiyi-Kadir, could not agree less that the task before states under the new decentralized electricity market is quite enormous. “The power sector is highly capital-intensive,” he said.

Ajaiyi-Kadir, while pointing out that “The success of the Act largely rests on its effective implementation,” said to avoid truncating the potential benefits of the Act, state governments should partner with existing agencies and operators in the power sector, as the costs of building new power distribution networks can render the investment less lucrative.

He also stressed the need to reduce the lending rate to encourage private investments in min-grids and renewable energy, as well as tighten the nation’s security infrastructure as, according to him, no investor wants to do business in a terrorized economy.

The MAN DG also harped on the need to render legal, financial and technical support to state governments yet to establish electricity market laws, including streamlining NERC and states’ regulations to avoid bottlenecks for multi-state investors, and addressing the uneven distribution of gas to avoid delay in states’ execution of mega-power projects.

Why manufacturers are expectant

It is easy to see why Ajaiyi-Kadir and indeed, other private sector operators are eager to see state governments successfully implement the Electricity Act 2023. The MAN D-G, for instance, described the Act as “A game changer” and “A major step in the right direction” to address the numerous constraints within the power sector.

As he put it, the Act is “Another reflection of the boldness and commitment of the current administration towards the diversification and decentralisation of the power sector.”

He said the empowerment of state governments and private investors, the adoption of renewable energy and the reformation of the governance structure of the power sector are capable of driving investment, improving electricity access and fostering economic growth.

Ajaiyi-Kadir recalled that over the past decades, the power sector has encountered much turbulence in its electricity value chain due to poor policy enforcement, over-regulation, instability of gas supply and bottlenecks in its transmission network.

“These problems have culminated into erratic electricity supply, frequent power out ages and persistent collapses of the national grid. For many years, the situation stunted the growth of the economy. Consequently, access to electricity has remained a hurdle for millions of Nigerians,” he said, in a statement which was made available to The Nation.

The implication for the manufacturing sector is not lost on MAN and its members. “Shortage of electricity supply has been identified as a hindrance to the profitability of manufacturers with an annual economic loss valued at $28 billion, about N10.1 trillion or two per cent share of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Ajaiyi-Kadir said.

The MAN DG, while insisting that the current power supply is inadequate to satisfy the energy requirements of the manufacturing sector and the entire population, said Nigeria currently occupies an unenviable position as the largest energy access deficit in the world. This unfavourable situation, he said, positioned Nigeria among the worst countries to do business with a rank of 171 out of 190.

He, however, said the Electricity Act, if well implemented, promises to be a major game changer for the manufacturing sector and by extension, the economy. He said it was aimed at providing an all-inclusive framework which would serve as a guide to the decentralisation of the power sector to encourage private investment and build a competitive electricity market.

Ajaiyi-Kadir listed some of the envisaged benefits of the Act including reduced cost of alternative energy to manufacturers, leading to a significant boost in profit margin; competitive and lower electricity tariff, as it will help actualize a cost–reflective tariff considering the healthy price competition it will bring between the states and private investors.

Others include improvement in the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and manufacturing performance; increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); improved infrastructure and less tax burden on manufacturers; more investment in renewables; backward integration and energy Security; stable power supply and proper planning.

“A distorted business plan can be highly detrimental to manufacturing operations. Apart from causing sub-optimal capacity utilization, the amount of wastage can be highly unbearable. The new Act, if fully implemented, can re-write the story by stabilizing the supply of electricity to infant manufacturers and aid their planning for optimal delivery,” he said.

States gear up for implementation

Expectedly, the new regime of decentralised electricity market regulation devoid of the Federal Government’s monopoly, which the Electricity Act 2023 ushered, enjoys the overwhelming support of virtually all the state governments.

The Director General of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), Mr Asishana Okauru, put the positive reception of the Act by the governors in perspective when he said the Electricity Act 2023 represents a significant milestone towards achieving a stable, reliable, and efficient electricity supply for all Nigerians.

“…we strongly believe that the growth in the electricity sector in Nigeria will inevitably catalyze economic development in our country and positively impact all the other sectors. It will provide a legal framework for private sector participation in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity,’’ Okauru said.

The NGF D-G spoke at a two-day roundtable dialogue amongst stakeholders to explore regional and international best practices to implement sub-national electricity markets from countries with relevant electricity market structures, in Abuja, recently. It was themed “Electricity Act 2023: Implications and Opportunities for State Electricity Markets.”

He said with the opening of the sub-national electricity market, “Our task, therefore, is to facilitate the simplifying of this very complex and highly technical endeavour in a way that both the government and the governed will fully appreciate what is happening, how it should happen and the benefits of it all.”

Okauru stated that to achieve this, governors have held and continue to hold talks with development partners and international donor organisations that have shown remarkable interest in supporting efforts to ensure the success of the initiative.

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of NGF, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed that the Forum will work together with development partners to implement the Act. He also said governors will go back to their various states to see how they can implement the Act and also interface with the existing structures, including how the states relate with the distribution companies.

Some of the states that are said to have commenced the implementation of the Act include Lagos, Enugu, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Kogi. By taking steps to domesticate the Act at their respective state Assemblies, these states now have the power to regulate mini-grids, embedded power, and independent electricity distribution and transmission networks.

Tangible actions, not merely passing laws key

The Founder/CEO of Nairametrics, Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu, also a panellist at the PwC roundtable, said several states are already collaborating with distribution, generating, and transmission companies to improve power supply within their regions.

He said nevertheless, it is crucial for state governments to thoroughly understand the challenges associated with providing electricity in their states before passing legislation in response to the Electricity Act 2023.

“There’s a need for enhanced collaboration between sub-nationals and DisCos. State governments should prioritise improving communication, understanding DisCos’ challenges, and working together with DisCos to address the unique issues impeding uninterrupted power supply within their jurisdictions.

“State governments play a pivotal role in supporting distribution companies to tackle challenges like electricity theft, identifying failure points, managing feeder disruptions, and ensuring efficient collections,” Obi-Chukwu said.

He also said recognising the substantial investments required in the sector, state governments must create appropriate incentives to attract investments, such as offering tax breaks or allocating land for power plant installations.

“Their involvement in facilitating efficient collections is integral for the recovery of investment costs. Beyond merely passing laws, states should implement tangible actions, concentrating on practical measures that genuinely enhance power supply, with the ultimate goal of achieving 24/7 electricity,” the Nairametrics CEO said.

A power system professional, Dr Idowu Oyebanjo, also said a key requirement for the existence of an electricity market is knowledge of technical and economic regulation of the market which is currently domiciled in the NERC.

He said this has to be transferred to State Regulators who should also seek assistance from various regulatory agencies in the world of power systems, especially from the USA, Canada, Australia, and India.

“An effective partnership between NERC and State Regulators will bode well for the decentralized Nigerian power system. To ensure this is the case, there will be a need to harmonize regulations, policies, operations, and others so that the implementation of the Act is not chaotic in any way, Oyebanjo said.

He also said the Electricity Act should excite investors in the on-grid, and especially, the off-grid sector as a lot of emphasis is placed on improving the electricity access per capita in Nigeria by deploying significant levels of renewable and off-grid systems.

Oyebanjo’s words: “Apart from the work already being done by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), all states will now include renewables and mini-grids in their portfolio of energy sources to be utilised for electricity generation in their domain.

“Also, GenCos and individual suppliers/traders have to ensure that a certain percentage of their supply is from renewable energy resources. The introduction of feed-in tariffs will make consumers become active players in the market as ‘prosumers’ who can sell excess electricity to the distribution network given the right pricing signals.”

Dr. Oyebanjo was emphatic that “The birth of a decentralized power system in Nigeria is here. Citizens should shift focus to their state governments concerning the provision of electricity and demand the establishment of electricity markets, regional integration and effective integrated resource/power system planning.”

He said only then can Nigeria grow its electricity access and witness economic development/industrialisation.

One of the provisions of the Act that earned it the overwhelming support and endorsement by states and industry stakeholders as a game-changer is the fact that it is pro-renewables. It embraces a diverse range of renewable energy sources, including hydro, coal-based renewables, wind, and others, thereby helping to foster a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

By encouraging the adoption and development of a framework for widespread acceptance of renewables, the Act reinforced hopes of growing the nation’s electricity access, and it is one of the reasons a lot of pressure appears to have been put on states to ensure its full and effective implementation.

Also, by encouraging partnerships between state governments and power utilities, the Act fosters a united front for sector development and improved service delivery. It was designed to improve electricity access, as the involvement of states is expected to improve remote access, especially with the involvement of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the local government.

The Act is also vital to planning the country’s infrastructure needs in a coordinated manner, besides acknowledging the importance of collaborating with neighbouring countries within the West African Power Pool (WAPP). The WAPP promotes and develops power generation and transmission infrastructure as well as coordinates power exchange among ECOWAS member states.

The Act also emphasises close collaboration between the NERC and state-level State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to ensure coordinated oversight, smooth transitions, and consistent regulatory standards.

Over the past two decades,, Nigeria’s power sector has seen several reforms and initiatives driven by regulators, ministries, and industry players. For instance, there was the Nigerian Electric Power Policy in 2001. Then, came the privatisation of the generation and distribution sub-sectors in 2013. Thereafter, there were more recent interventions such as the launch of the Meter Asset Provider Scheme in 2018, the Service Based Tariff regime in 2020, and now, the Electricity Act 2023.

However, while the evolution of the policy landscape in the power sector shows that significant progress has been made, challenges remain. The Electricity Act 2023 is, therefore, seen as an attempt to address some of those challenges and unlock new potential.

This must be why PwC Nigeria did not mince words that “The Electricity Act 2023 will shape the future of Nigeria’s power sector. With the implementation of the Act, Nigeria could see a potential reduction of $28 billion in annual economic losses.”

According to the professional services company, the Act has created the right investment vehicle, as it empowers states to establish state-owned utilities, ‘Successor Companies,’ capable of attracting long-term investment through innovative structures.

It further stated that dedicated distribution and supply companies within states can act as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), drawing capital from state resources or private investors through primary or secondary markets.

The Act, PwC also noted, encouraged collaboration in fundraising, as many utilities require patient capital. “With the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF) serving as a joint federal and state mechanism for targeted subsidies, the Act facilitates collaborative fundraising efforts,” it said.

However, it remains to be seen how states and private investors will seize the opportunities offered by the Act, by deploying the necessary investments to fully implement its provisions. This is particularly so considering that, as Dr. Oyebanjo said, “Citizens should shift focus to their state governments concerning the provision of electricity…”

June 10, 2024